1-Bit Color An image that consists of pixels that can only have one of two colors, usually black and white. 2-perf A 35 mm motion picture camera film format introduced by Technicolor Italia in 1960. 3:2 Pull-down The method used to map the 24 fps of film onto the 30 fps of 525-line TV. 3D Modeling The process of creating 3D objects on a computer. 3D Television A television that conveys depth perception to the viewer by employing techniques such as stereoscopic display, multi-view display, 2D-plus-depth, or any other form of 3D display. 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project 3GPP2 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 A collaboration between telecommunications associations to make a globally applicable third-generation (3G) mobile phone system specification within the scope of the ITU's IMT-2000 project. 4:1:1 In 4:1:1 chroma subsampling, the horizontal color resolution is quartered, and the bandwidth is halved compared to no chroma subsampling. 4:2:0 In 4:2:0, the horizontal sampling is doubled compared to 4:1:1. 4:2:2 A commonly used term for a component digital video format. 4:2:2 Component Digital An early (1986) SMPTE standard format for recording and storing digital video at a resolution 720 × 486 (NTSC). 4:4:4 Digital images or video in which all color components have the same sampling rate, thus not using chroma subsampling. 4fsc The sampling rate of a D2 digital video signal with respect to the sub-carrier frequency of an NTSC or PAL analog video signal. 4K UHD A standard for video display with a resolution of 3840 × 2160 and an aspect ratio of 16:9. 5.1 The common name for six-channel surround sound audio systems. 5K A resolution of 5120 × 2880 pixels. 8 Mm A compact videocassette record/playback* tape format which uses eight-millimeter wide magnetic tape. A worldwide standard established in 1983 allowing high-quality video and audio recording. 8 Position 8 Contact A modular connector commonly used to terminate twisted pair and multi-conductor flat cable. 8K UHD A standard for video display with a resolution of 3840 × 2160 and an aspect ratio of 16:9. 8P8C 8 position 8 contact 8VSB The modulation method used for broadcast in the ATSC digital television standard. 24p A video format that operates at 24 frames per second. 24Psf 24 frame per second, progressive segmented frame. 30-degree Rule A basic film editing guideline that states the camera should move at least 30 degrees relative to the subject between successive shots of the same subject. 35mm A film gauge used in filmmaking, and the film standard.[1] In motion pictures that record on film, 35 mm is the most commonly used gauge. 48sF The process of taking 24-frame progressive images and deconstructing them to produce 48 interlaced frames each with half of the number of lines of resolution to allow some HDTV processors to pass the signal and for viewing on an interlaced monitor without flicker. 180-degree Rule An imaginary line drawn across two subjects, setting a boundary for the camera angles. The action axis is used to anchor the continuity of action on screen. 480i A vertical resolution of 480 lines, and the i identifies it as an interlaced resolution. 480p A vertical resolution of 480 pixels, usually with a horizontal resolution of 640 pixels and 4:3 aspect ratio or a horizontal resolution of 854 or less. 576i A standard-definition video mode originally used for terrestrial television in most countries of the world where the utility frequency for electric power distribution is 50 Hz. 576p A vertical resolution of 576 pixels, usually with a horizontal resolution of 720 or 704 pixels. 720p A progressive HDTV signal format with 720 horizontal lines and an aspect ratio (AR) of 16:9, normally known as widescreen HDTV (1.78:1). 1080i A combination of frame resolution and scan type, used in high-definition television (HDTV) and high-definition video. 1080p A set of HDTV high-definition video modes characterized by 1,920 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down the screen vertically. 1440p A display resolution of 2560 × 1440 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio. A-roll Main footage used in production. Contrast with B-roll.
A/A Roll Editing Editing from a single source using effects to transition from the source to itself (source "A" to "A") using a picture freeze at the end of one scene to transition the start of the next scene. A/B Roll Editing Editing from two source VCRs ("A" and "B") to a third (recording) VCR. Typically a switcher or mixer, such as the Digital Video Mixer, is used to provide transition effects between sources. A/X/A Roll Editing Editing from a single source using effects to transition from the source to itself (source "A" to "A") using a picture freeze at the end of one scene to transition the start of the next scene. AAC Advanced Audio Coding AAC-HE High-Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding AAUI Apple Attachment Unit Interface Abby Singer Shot The nickname for the second-to-last shot of the day in movie production settings Above The Line The creative elements of a production such as the writer, producer, director and actors. AC-3 Audio compression technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories. Academy Leader A countdown from 8 to 3 that allows the cinema projectionist to know when to turn on the lamp in order to catch the start of the movie. Academy Ratio An aspect ratio of a frame of 35mm film when used with 4-perf pulldown. Accelerated Graphics Port A high-speed point-to-point channel for attaching a video card to a computer system, primarily to assist in the acceleration of 3D computer graphics. Accelerated Motion The process of slowing the frame rate of a camera down the action appears faster during playback at normal speed. Accessory Shoe A mounting point at the top of some cameras that allow you to attach a flash unit, microphones or other accessories. Acknowledgment An expression of a gratitude for assistance in creating an original work. Acoustics The science and study of recorded or transmitted sound waves. Action The scene description, character movement, and sounds as described in a screenplay. Action-cam A digital camera designed for recording action while being immersed in it Action Axis An imaginary line drawn across two subjects, setting a boundary for the camera angles. The action axis is used to anchor the continuity of action on screen. Action Camera A digital camera designed for recording action while being immersed in it Action Cutting The process of aligning or overlapping the shots of a film sequence in order to achieve a smooth transition from the action in one shot to the action of the succeeding shot. Action Point In scriptwriting: the consequence or outcome of a plot point or story element that is set-up earlier in a screenplay.
Action Safe Area Boundaries within which contents of a television picture are sure to be seen, regardless of masking differences in receiver displays. Active-matrix Liquid-crystal Display A type of flat-panel display, the only viable technology for high-resolution TVs, computer monitors, notebook computers, tablet computers and smartphones. Active-pixel Sensor An image sensor where each pixel sensor unit cell has a photodetector (typically a pinned photodiode) and one or more active transistors. Actor A person who portrays a character in a performance (also actress; see below). Acutance Describes a subjective perception of sharpness that is related to the edge contrast of an image. Adapter Ring A standard lens mount for cameras and other optical assemblies. Adaptive Compression A type of data compression which changes compression algorithms based on the type of data being compressed. Adaptive Differential Pulse-code Modulation A variant of differential pulse-code modulation (DPCM) that varies the size of the quantization step, to allow further reduction of the required data bandwidth for a given signal-to-noise ratio. ADAT Lightpipe A standard for the transfer of digital audio between equipment. ADC Analog-to-digital converter Add-on Third-party software created to add a new feature to an application, such as Premiere or After Effects. Adjustable Camera A camera with manually adjustable settings for distance, lens openings, and shutter speeds. Ad Libitum Individual moments during the live presentation when a presenter speaks through their character using words not found in the play's text. Administration Metadata Provides information to help manage a resource, such as when and how it was created, file type and other technical information, and who can access it. Adobe Flash Player Computer software for using content created on the Adobe Flash platform, including viewing multimedia contents, executing rich Internet applications, and streaming audio and video. Adobe RGB Color Space A color space developed by Adobe Systems, Inc. in 1998 designed to encompass most of the colors achievable on CMYK color printers, but by using RGB primary colors on a device such as a computer display. ADPCM Adaptive differential pulse-code modulation ADR Automatic Dialog Replacement Advanced Audio Coding An audio coding standard for lossy digital audio compression designed to be the successor of the MP3 format. Advanced Stream Redirector A type of XML metafile designed to store a playlist of Windows Media files for a multimedia presentation. Advanced Systems Format Microsoft's proprietary digital audio/digital video container format especially meant for streaming media. ASF is part of the Media Foundation framework. Advanced Video Coding The name of the most common video compression standard for high-definition digital video for resolutions up to 8K. Also known as MPEG-4 AVC and MPEG-4 Part 10. Aerial Perspective The effect the atmosphere has on the appearance of an object as it is viewed from a distance. Aerial Shot A shot taken from an airborne device, generally while moving. This technique has gained popularity in recent years due to the growing availability of drones. AES Audio Engineering Society AES/EBU A standard for the exchange of digital audio signals between professional audio devices. Commonly known as S/PDIF. AES3 A standard for the exchange of digital audio signals between professional audio devices. Commonly known as S/PDIF. AES10 An Audio Engineering Society (AES) standard that defines the data format and electrical characteristics of an interface that carries multiple channels of digital audio. AFM Audio frequency modulation After Effects After Effects is to video editing what Photoshop is to image manipulation: an all-encompassing application with a professional toolset designed for anything from titling to character animation, compositing and more. AGC Automatic Gain Control AGP Accelerated Graphics Port AI Artificial intelligence AIA Automated Imaging Association AIF Audio Interchange File Format ALC Automatic Level Control Algorithm A formula or set of steps used to simplify, modify, or predict data. Aliasing A side effect of digital signal processing that causes distortion or unwanted artifacts in the reconstruction process. Aliasing can affect both the video and the audio signals. AllVid A proposal to develop technology enabling smart broadband-connected video devices to access the content on the managed networks of cable operators, telcos, and satellite-TV operators. Alpha Channel A channel in an image or movie clip that controls the opacity region. Alpha Compositing The process of combining one image with a background to create the appearance of partial or full transparency. Alter Ego An alternative self, which is believed to be distinct from a person's normal or true original personality. Alternating Current An electric current which periodically reverses direction, in contrast to direct current (DC) which flows only in one direction. Amateur Television The transmission of broadcast-quality video and audio over the wide range of frequencies of radio waves allocated for radio amateur (Ham) use. Ambient Lighting General, non-directional, room light not supplied on purpose by the photographer. Ambient Noise The total sound in a given area which is particular to that space. American National Standards Institute A private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. American Shot A medium-long ("knee") film shot of a group of characters, who are arranged so that all are visible to the camera. Amiga First personal computer to be used for digital video creation. Amiga Video Connector A 23-pin male D-subminiature connector fitted to all personal computers in the Amiga range produced by Commodore International from 1985 to 1994, and by Escom from 1995 to 1996. AMLCD Active-matrix liquid-crystal display Ammo A standard clothespin used to affix gels to barn doors and other "hot" items. Ampere Measurement unit for electric current. Amplitude The strength of an electronic signal as measure by its waveform height. Amplitude Distortion The nonlinear relation of input and output induced harmonics which is a function of voltage fluctuations or power consumption. Amplitude Modulation A modulation technique used in electronic communication, most commonly for transmitting information via a radio carrier wave. AMR Adaptive Multi-Rate audio codec AMV Video Format A proprietary video file format, produced for MP4 players, as well as S1 MP3 players with video playback. Anachronism A chronological inconsistency in some arrangement, especially a juxtaposition of persons, events, objects, or customs from different periods. Analepsis An interjected scene that takes the narrative back in time from the current point in the story. Analog Opposite of digital. The term refers to the recording (storage and measurement) of an infinitely variable signal gathered from a physical source. In electronics, analog signals are generally acquired through the Composite, S-Video, or Component Video connectors. Analog-to-digital Converter An electronic component that converts an analog signal to a digital signal. ADC accuracy are rated based on their bandwidth (sampling rate) and signal-to-noise ratio. Analog Monitor A video monitor which accepts analog* signals. The signals transmitted to an analog monitor are usually between 0 and 1 V and use 75 ohm coaxial cables. Analog Recording A means of recording audio or video whereby the recorded signal is a physical representation of the waveform of the original signal. Analog Switch-off The process in which older analog television broadcasting technology is converted to and replaced by digital television. Anamorphic The cinematography technique of shooting a widescreen picture on standard 35mm film or other visual recording media with a non-widescreen native aspect ratio. Anamorphic Widescreen A process by which a comparatively wide widescreen image is horizontally compressed to fit into a storage medium with a narrower aspect ratio. Anastigmat A photographic lens completely corrected for spherical aberration, coma, and astigmatism. Anastigmatic Lens A photographic lens completely corrected for spherical aberration, coma, and astigmatism. Angle Of Incidence The angle between a ray incident on a surface and the line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence called the normal. Angle Of Light The angle between the orientation of a light source and the viewing direction. Angle Of View The size of the field covered by a lens, measured in degrees. Angle On A type of shot. This usually occurs in scenes taking place in large settings. Angular Resolution The ability of a camera to distinguish the small details of an object; a major determinant of image resolution. Animatics A simplified mock-up to give a better idea of how a scene will look and feel with motion and timing. Animation The process of creating a progressively altering image that gives the appearance of continuous motion. Animatronics Mechatronic puppets. They are a modern variant of the automaton and are often used for the portrayal of characters in films and in theme park attractions. Anime Computer animation style originating from Japan. Anisotropic Noise Some noise sources show up with a significant orientation in images. ANSI American National Standards Institute Answer Print The first print combining picture and sound which is submitted by the laboratory for the customer's approval. Antagonist Character presented as the chief foe of the protagonist. Anthropomorphism The attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, usually animals. Anti-Aliasing Filtering of erroneous frequencies that are created during the analog to digital conversion process. Anti-reflective Coating A type of optical coating applied to the surface of lenses and other optical elements to reduce reflection. Anticlimax In a plot, a situation in which something which would appear to be difficult to solve is solved through something trivial. Antihero A main character in a story who lacks conventional heroic qualities and attributes such as idealism, courage, and morality. AOMedia Video 1 An open, royalty-free video coding format designed for video transmissions over the Internet. Aperture A small, variable-size hole in the camera that allows light to reach the sensor. Aperture Control The ring or button on the camera lens that adjusts the size of the opening in the iris diaphragm. Aperture Priority A setting on some cameras that allows the user to set a specific aperture value (f-number) while the camera selects a shutter speed to match it. Aplanat A lens that is symmetrical about its aperture stop with four elements in two groups. Apochromat A photographic or other lenses that has a better correction of a chromatic and spherical aberration than the much more common achromat lenses. Apochromatic Lens A photographic or other lenses that has a better correction of a chromatic and spherical aberration than the much more common achromat lenses. Apple Attachment Unit Interface A mechanical re-design by Apple of the standard Attachment Unit Interface (AUI) used to connect Ethernet transceivers to computer equipment. Apple Display Connector A proprietary modification of the DVI connector that combines analog and digital video signals, USB, and power all in one cable. Apple Lossless An audio coding format, and its reference audio codec implementation, developed by Apple Inc. for lossless data compression of digital music. Apple ProRes A high quality, lossy video compression format developed by Apple Inc. for use in post-production that supports up to 8K. AR Anti-reflective coating Archetype A universal character modeled upon those that have been appearing in stories since the time of our ancient ancestors. Video footage that can be used again in other films.
Arc Lamp A lamp that produces light by an electric arc. Arc Light A lamp that produces light by an electric arc. Arc Shot Filming the subject through a moving, encircling camera. Argon A chemical element used inside the bulbs of incandescent lamps to prevent oxidation of their filaments. Array Camera A camera that captures information about the light field emanating from a scene. Art Director The person in charge of supervising and unifying the vision of the film, video or project. Artifact Any undesired or unintended alteration in data introduced during the processing of the digital video signal. Most digital artifacts are the result of problems with compression, aliasing and/or error diffusion. Artificial Intelligence Intelligence demonstrated by machines, devices, and software; the term is often used to describe automatic corrective processes during the acquisition or creation of digital videos. Artificial Landscape A filmmaking technique, subset of montage, in which multiple segments shot at various locations and/or times are edited together such that they appear to all occur in a continuous place at a continuous-time. ASA The exposure index or speed rating of a film which denotes the film's sensitivity. ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange ASF Advanced Systems Format ASIC Application-specific integrated circuit Aside When a film character breaks the imaginary “fourth wall” and speaks directly to the film viewers. Aspect Ratio The proportional relationship of an image or video stream's width relative to its height. The most common video aspect ratios are 4:3 (1.3:1) and 16:9 (1.7:1). Asperity Noise Noise that is caused by minute imperfections in the surface of a recording medium. Asphere A lens whose surface profiles are not portions of a sphere or cylinder. Aspheric Lens A lens whose surface profiles are not portions of a sphere or cylinder. Assemble Edit A linear method of editing in which new clips are placed one after the other in order to assemble the edit.
Assistant Editor An editor that handles the technical and logistical aspects of editing such as synchronizing sound to picture, cutting in temporary sound effects and music, etc. Associate Producer The person who acts as the liaison between a production company and the various personnel involved in the post production process. Associative Editing Editing of shots for the purposes of comparison or for the contrast of content. Astigmatism A camera defect caused by the inability of a single lens to focus oblique rays uniformly. ASX Advanced Stream Redirector Asymmetry The absence of or violation of symmetry that are either expected or desired can have important consequences for a system. Asynchronous A video signal whose timing differs from that of the system reference signal. Asynchronous Sound Sound which is indigenous to the action but not precisely synchronized with the action Asynchronous Transfer Mode A data transmission scheme using self-routing packets of 53 bytes, 48 of which are available for user data. ATA The electrical interface standard that connects a device, such as a camera, to the PC architecture. ATM Asynchronous transfer mode Atmosphere Extras who are staged and photographed to portray normal human traffic needed to add detail in various script situations. Atmospheric Perspective The effect the atmosphere has on the appearance of an object as it is viewed from a distance. ATRAC Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding ATSC Advanced Television Systems Committee Standards ATSC-M/H A U.S. standard for mobile digital TV that allows TV broadcasts to be received by mobile devices. ATSC Standards American set of standards for digital television transmission over terrestrial, cable, and satellite networks. Attribution Acknowledgment as a credit to the copyright holder or author of a work. AU A simple audio file format introduced by Sun Microsystems. Audible Spectrum When wave motion in the atmosphere has a frequency that lies between 20 and 15,000 Hz it produces a sound which is apparent to the average human. Audience A group of people who participate in a show or encounter a work of art, literature, theatre, music, video games or academics in any medium. Audio-follow-video During video recording, the video signal is usually accompanied by an audio signal. Audio-to-video Synchronization The relationship of sound ad picture that exists when the movements of speech are perceived to coincide with the sounds of speech. Audio Bridge An audio track used as a transition between two scenes to ensure continuity. Audio Bus A mixing network that combines the output of two or more channels. Audio CD The standard format for audio compact discs. Audio Effect A recorded or electronically produced sound that matches the visual action taking place onscreen. Audio Frequency Modulation Audio Frequency Modulation (AFM) is an audio recording standard used by VHS Hi-Fi stereo, 8mm and Hi8 video systems. AFM is mono on 8mm systems and stereo on Hi8. Audio Interchange File Format An audio file format developed by Apple Computer to store high quality sampled sound and musical instrument information. Audio Lossless Coding An extension to the MPEG-4 Part 3 audio standard to allow lossless audio compression. Audio Mixing The result of combining combining audio signals from different sources, such as microphones, instruments, recordings, etc. Audio Multicore Cable A multi-channel audio cable intended for use with microphone level signals and/or line-level signals Audio Sequencer The hardware or software based brain of a MIDI studio. It receives, stores and plays back MIDI information in a desired sequence. Audio Signal Processing A subfield of signal processing that is concerned with the electronic manipulation of audio signals. Audio Spectrum When wave motion in the atmosphere has a frequency that lies between 20 and 15,000 Hz it produces a sound which is apparent to the average human. Audio Video Bridging A common name for the set of technical standards that provide improved synchronization, low-latency, and reliability for switched Ethernet networks. Audio Video Interleave A multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft in November 1992 as part of its Video for Windows software Audition A sample performance by an actor, singer, musician, dancer, or other performers. AUI Attachment Unit Interface Aural A film element that can be heard (such as an off-screen sound like a dog howling or a gun firing). Auteur An artist, usually a film director, who applies a highly centralized and subjective control to many aspects of collaborative creative work. Auto Bracketing A feature of some more advanced devices where the camera will take several successive shots (often three) with slightly different settings. Auto Conform The process of automatically recreating the online edit from an EDL file created from the offline edit. Autoexposure Camera mode that automatically calculates and adjusts exposure settings to match (as closely as possible) the subject's mid-tone to the mid-tone of the photograph. Auto Exposure Lock A DSLR function that allows the camera user to lock the exposure reading from anywhere in the scene. Autofocus An optical system that uses a sensor, a control system, and a motor to focus on an automatically or manually selected point or area. Automatic Exposure Camera mode that automatically calculates and adjusts exposure settings to match (as closely as possible) the subject's mid-tone to the mid-tone of the photograph. Automatic Gain Control A circuit that automatically adjusts the gain of an amplifier based on the relative strength of the input signal. Used to maintain an even output when the audio signal is too low or the scene is poorly lighted. Automatic Iris A mechanism coupled to the shutter release that controls the lens diaphragm. Automatic Level Control Circuitry used to automatically adjust the audio recording level to compensate for variations in input volume. Automatic Slating A camera attachment which records the film shot and take numbers and a visible sync mark which corresponds to a tone fed to an audio recorder. AV-sync The relationship of sound ad picture that exists when the movements of speech are perceived to coincide with the sounds of speech. Available Light General, non-directional, room light not supplied on purpose by the photographer. AVC-Intra A type of video coding developed by Panasonic, and then supported in products made by other companies. AVC-Ultra Defines an additional three new encoding parameters within the MPEG-4 Part 10 standard, utilizing up to the 4:4:4 Intra Predictive Profile, as well as an additional low bitrate proxy recording mode. AVCHD Advanced Video Coding High Definition AVI Audio Video Interleave Avid DNxHD A lossy high-definition video post-production codec developed by Avid for multi-generation compositing with reduced storage and bandwidth requirements. Axial Cut A type of jump cut, where the camera suddenly moves closer to or further away from its subject, along an invisible line drawn straight between the camera and the subject. Axial Lighting The illumination of a subject from a source located close to the lens. Axis Lighting The illumination of a subject from a source located close to the lens. B-mode Assembly A nonsequential method of auto assembly in which the computerized editing system records all edits from the videotape playback reels currently in use, leaving gaps to be filled later by subsequent reels. B-roll Supplemental footage that can be used during production to inter-cut with, and supplement the main shot. Baby Generally used to refer to a 1K light. Baby C-stand A C-Clamp that is only 20 inches at its shortest height. Back Focus The distance between the rear glass surface of a lens and the focal plane, measured when the lens focuses on a very distant object. Background Actor Accessory talent not essential to a production, assuming some peripheral on-camera role. Background Artist The person who is involved in the process of animation who establishes the color, style, and mood of a scene drawn by an animation layout artist. Background Noise The total sound in a given area which is particular to that space. Background Story A backstory is a set of events invented for a plot, presented as preceding and leading up to that plot. Backing Track Prerecorded accompaniment for a singer or voiceover actor who then listens through headphones to a replay as he/she performs. Backlight A light which is generally mounted behind a subject to light the subject's hair and shoulders without illuminating a subject's front. Back Projection A technique where the actor stands in front of a screen and the background is projected onto the screen behind them. Backstory A backstory is a set of events invented for a plot, presented as preceding and leading up to that plot. Baffle A shield around the camera lens or microphone that filters out unwanted light or sound. Ballast A component required by fluorescent and HID lighting fixtures. Ballast Factor The ANSI ballast factor is used in North America to compare the light output (in lumens) of a lamp operated on a ballast compared to the lamp operating on an ANSI reference ballast. Ball Head A ball head is a metal or plastic apparatus placed on top of a tripod to increase stability and to provide more accurate rotation of the camera. Balloon Light Specialized types of luminaire used primarily for lighting in the motion picture industry, night highway construction, incident management, and public security applications such as police checkpoints. Banana Connector A single-wire (one conductor) electrical connector used for joining wires to equipment. Band-pass Filter A device that passes frequencies within a certain range and rejects (attenuates) frequencies outside that range. Band-stop Filter A notch filter is a band-stop filter with a narrow stopband (high Q factor). Banding A computer graphic artifact that results in a visible stepping of shades in a gradient. Bandwidth The maximum amount of bits/second that can travel along a network or channel. Most videos players will allow for automatic scaling a video stream to match the available bandwidth. Barndoors Folding doors which are mounted on to the front of a light unit in order to control illumination. Barney A sound-minimizing blanket placed over a camera to reduce the noise emitting from its moving mechanisms. Barrier A first act obstacle in the way of a protagonist’s objective. Baseband A signaling technique in which the signal is transmitted in its original form and not
changed by modulation. Baud A unit of signaling speed equal to the number of signal events per second. Baud is
equivalent to bits per second in cases where each signal event represents exactly one bit. Bayonet Connector A miniature quick connect/disconnect radio frequency connector used for coaxial cable. Bayonet Mount A fastening mechanism that allows lenses to be changed rapidly and locked accurately in position. BDAV Blu-ray Disc Audio-Video Beam Angle Also known as beam spread, the beam angle is a value that describes the downward light cone emitted by a lighting fixture with a reflector. Beat (audio) A periodic variation of amplitude resulting from the addition of two slightly different frequencies. Beatscript Scripting aid used for describing story ideas. Bed Background music used underneath a narrator or foreground dialog. Primarily applied to commercial radio or television spots. Beep Short duration sound track tone aligned to a point on the film for precise reference in synchronization in the editing and printing processes. Bel A measure of voltage, current, or power gain. One bel is defined as a tenfold increase in power. Belling-Lee Connector A connector commonly used in Europe and Australia to connect coaxial cables with each other and with terrestrial VHF/UHF roof antennas, antenna signal amplifiers, CATV distribution equipment, TV sets, and FM and DAB radio receivers. Best Boy Assistants to their department heads, the gaffer (in charge of electricals) and the key grip (lighting and rigging), respectively. Best Light A telecine transfer performed in one pass with one color correction setting applied to the whole reel, as opposed to precise scene-by-scene correction. Betacam Portable, professional camera/recorder format developed by Sony. Betacam SP An advanced version of Betacam that allows for longer recording and an increased number of audio channels. Betacam SX A digital version of Betacam SP introduced in 1996, positioned as a cheaper alternative to Digital Betacam. Betamax Betamax was the first home VCR format, developed by Sony. Bi-level Sync A composite color video signal comprised of sync, color burst and black video. Bi-Pin Base A lamp base that uses two pins, as implied by its name. Bidirectional Microphone pickup pattern whereby sound is absorbed equally from two sides only. Bidirectional Predicted Picture B-frames can contain intra, predicted, or bi-predicted macroblocks. B‑frames can use both previous and forward frames for data reference to get the highest amount of data compression. BIFS Binary format for scenes Bin Originally a storage bin for editorial film reels but now commonly used to refer to hierarchical folders for storing clips in an editor.. Binary A number expressed in the base-2 numeral system. Binary-coded Decimal A coding system in which each decimal digit from 0 to 9 is represented by four binary (0 or 1) digits. Binary Image An image that consists of pixels that can only have one of two colors, usually black and white. Binding Post A connector commonly used on electronic test equipment to terminate (attach) a single wire or test lead. Bink Video A proprietary file format (extensions .bik and .bk2) for video developed by RAD Game Tools. Bipack The process of loading two reels of film into a camera, so that they both pass through the camera gate together. Birds-eye View An elevated view of an object from above, with a perspective as though the observer were a bird, often used in the making of blueprints, floor plans, and maps. Bit A basic unit of information. Refers to a binary digit (0 or 1) used to store or represent data. Bit-rate Reduction An encoding process that results in a decrease in the number of bits required to store data. Bit Blit A computer operation programming that moves a graphic block of bits from one memory location to another. Bit Block Transfer A computer operation programming that moves a graphic block of bits from one memory location to another. Bit Bucket Any device capable of storing digital data--whether it be video, audio or other types of data. Bit Budget The total amount of bits available on the media being used. Bit Depth The number of bits used to indicate the color of a given pixel; alternatively: the number of bits used for each color component of a pixel. Bit Error Rate In digital transmission, the number of bit errors is the number of received bits of a data stream over a communication channel that have been altered due to noise, interference, distortion or bit synchronization errors. Bit Error Rate Test A testing method for digital communication circuits that uses predetermined stress patterns consisting of a sequence of logical ones and zeros generated by a test pattern generator. Bitmap The 2-D array of pixels representing video and graphics. Bitmap Image File A raster graphics image file format developed by Microsoft for the Windows and OS/2 operating systems. Bit Parallel Transmission of digital video a byte at a time down a multi-conductor cable where each pair of wires carries a single bit. Bit Rate The rate of binary digits flowing in a digital data-processing system. Bit rates are expressed as the number of bits per second (bps or Kbps) traveling through a digital stream. Bitrate Peeling A technique used in Ogg Vorbis audio encoded streams, wherein a stream can be encoded at one bitrate but can be served at that or any lower bitrate. Bit Slippage The loss or gain of a bit or bits, caused by clock drift – variations in the respective clock rates of the transmitting and receiving devices. Bitstream A continuous series of bits transmitted on a line. Black And Burst A composite color video signal comprised of sync, color burst and black video. Black And Code Tapes that have been pre-recorded with blank data (a black screen and timecode) before they are used.
Black And White Images that combine black and white in a continuous spectrum, producing a range of shades of gray. Black Burst A composite color video signal comprised of sync, color burst and black video. Black Level Video black level is defined as the level of brightness at the darkest (black) part of a visual image or the level of brightness at which no light is emitted from a screen, resulting in a pure black screen. Black Wrap Black aluminum foil for wrapping lights and controlling spill. Blanking Level The voltage level produced at the end of each horizontal picture line which separates the portion of the video signal containing the picture information from the portion containing the synchronizing information. Bleeding Video image imperfection characterized by a blurring of color borders; colors spill over defined boundaries, "run" into neighboring areas. Blimp Housing for the camera or microphone intended to prevent sound equipment from picking up any extra sounds emitting from the camera. Blit A computer operation programming that moves a graphic block of bits from one memory location to another. Block The rectangular area of the picture, usually 8 x 8 pixels in size, which are individually subjected to DCT coding as part of a digital picture compression process. Blocking Plotting the placement and movement of the actors, camera and microphone in a scene. Blu-ray Disc A digital optical disc data storage format. It was designed to supersede the DVD format, and is capable of storing several hours of video in high-definition (HDTV 720p and 1080p) and ultra high-definition resolution (2160p). Blue Screen Chroma key compositing is a technique used for layering two images or video streams together based on matching color hues. Blurb A short promotional piece accompanying a piece of creative work such as films; usually consists of positive, colorful extracts from published reviews. BMP File Format A raster graphics image file format developed by Microsoft for the Windows and OS/2 operating systems. BNC Bayonet Neill–Concelman Board A device that combines a hinged clapper stick and a slate. These boards are designed to assist the synchronizing of pictures and sound during post-production. Board Reflector A large white card made of foam or poster board used to reflect soft light. Bodypack A backpack fitted with one or more pockets that are suspended on the wearer's chest and loaded in such a way that the load in the front and the load in the back are close to equal. Bokeh The visual quality of the out-of-focus (blurred) areas of a photographic image. Bollywood The Indian Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai (formerly Bombay). Book-ending A framing device within which the main plotline is presented as being told or read to another, often embellished by the use of a voice-over narration throughout the film Bookends A narrative technique that uses a recurrent element at the beginning and the end of the story. Boom A telescoping arm for a camera or microphone. Booming Camera move above or below subject with aid of a balanced "boom arm," creating a sense of floating into or out of a scene. Boom Microphone A directional microphone mounted on a long pole or arm and positioned over the scene. Bootleg An audio or video recording of a performance not officially released by the artist or under other legal authority. Border The boundary between two merged video pictures, as created with chroma key or wipe effects. Bounce Board A large white card made of foam or poster board used to reflect soft light. Boundary Microphone A small omnidirectional condenser mic capsule positioned near or flush with a boundary. Bowdlerize A form of censorship that involves purging anything deemed noxious or offensive from a film or other piece of material destined for publication. Bracketing The general technique of taking several shots of the same subject using different camera settings. Break-bumper A brief announcement, usually two to fifteen seconds in length that can contain a voice over, placed between a pause in the program and its commercial break, and vice versa. Breakdown A pre-production process where each scene is isolated into its component elements such as props, costumes, and actors. Breathing The shifting of angle of view of a lens when changing the focus. B Reel Supplemental footage that can be used during production to inter-cut with, and supplement the main shot. Brickwall Effect The abrupt interruption of a digital device that occurs when the receiver can no longer process the incoming signal due to quality or strength issues. Bridge Camera Cameras that fill the niche between the single-lens reflex cameras (SLRs) and the point-and-shoot camera which are prominent in the prosumer market segment. Bridging Shot An intermediate sequence used to establish a visual connection between two otherwise disconnected scenes in a story Brightness The perceived amount of light coming from a given source. Broad A rectangular open-faced light which is used for general fill or for cyc illumination. Broadband A wide bandwidth channel which transports multiple signals and traffic types. Broadband can refer to media such coaxial cable, optical fiber, radio or twisted pair. Broadcast Designer A person involved with creating graphic designs and electronic media incorporated in television productions that are used by character generator (CG) operators. Broadcast FTP Protocol A simple, robust, one-way resource transfer protocol that is designed to efficiently deliver data in a one-way broadcast-only environment. Brute A brute arc light, usually 225 amps DC powered. B Story A secondary strand of the plot that is a supporting side story for any story or the main plot. BT.656 A simple digital video protocol for streaming uncompressed PAL or NTSC Standard Definition TV (525 or 625 lines) signals. BT.709 A set of HDTV high-definition video modes characterized by 1,920 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down the screen vertically. Buddy Film A film genre in which two people—often both men—are put together and on an adventure, a quest, or a road trip. Buffer Shot The insertion of a shot, usually taken from a different camera, as a bridge to disguise a mistake or a cut. Buffer Underflow A state occurring when a buffer used to communicate between two devices or processes is fed with data at a lower speed than the data is being read from it. Buffer Underrun A state occurring when a buffer used to communicate between two devices or processes is fed with data at a lower speed than the data is being read from it. BUG Digital on-screen graphic Bullet A standard clothespin used to affix gels to barn doors and other "hot" items. Bullet Time A visual effect of detaching the time and space of a camera from those of its visible subject. Bumper A brief announcement, usually two to fifteen seconds in length that can contain a voice over, placed between a pause in the program and its commercial break, and vice versa. Burn-in Time Code A videotape in which a "window" displaying the time code count on the tape is superimposed over part of the picture. Burst Error Consecutive Block Errors. Burst Errors are usually the result of fingerprints, contamination, scratches, or voids, etc. Bus A mixing network that combines the output of two or more channels. Butterfly Structures on which materials are mounted so as to control lighting in a scene or photograph. Buy Out Music or music libraries in which a one-time fee enables the buyer to legally use the music in many productions without paying additional licensing or "needle drop" fees. Buzz Track A soundtrack made of natural or otherwise atmospheric noise added to a scene to create a realistic aural environment. BWF Broadcast Wave Format Byte A unit of digital information that most commonly consists of eight bits. B‑frame B-frames can contain intra, predicted, or bi-predicted macroblocks. B‑frames can use both previous and forward frames for data reference to get the highest amount of data compression. B‑frames In the field of video compression, a video frame is compressed using different algorithms with different advantages and disadvantages, centered mainly around the amount of data compression. C-Clamp A clamp used to attach a larger piece of hardware, such as a lighting instrument, a speaker, or a dimmer, to a pipe or batten. C-stand A stand primarily used to position light modifiers, such as silks, nets, or flags, in front of light sources. C47 A standard clothespin used to affix gels to barn doors and other "hot" items. Cable Box A device that is connected to a television so that it can receive digital signals. CableCARD A PCMCIA card (smartcard) that allows U.S. cable customers to consume digital television channels on electronic devices not supplied by the service vendor. Cable Television A system of delivering television programming to consumers via radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted through coaxial cables, or in more recent systems, light pulses through fiber-optic cables. Cache Local or temporary storage. Callier Effect The variation in contrast of images produced by a photographic film with different manners of illumination. Call Sheet A form which refers to all of the scenes to be filmed and all of the personnel and equipment required for shooting on a particular day. Camcorder Combination of camera and video tape recorder in one device. Camcorders permit easy and rapid photography and recording simultaneously. Camel-hair Brush A paintbrush with soft bristles made from natural hairs (usually squirrel) commonly used to clean lenses. Cameo Appearance A brief appearance or voice part of a well-known person in a work of the performing arts. Cameo Lighting A spotlight that accentuates a single person and maybe a few props in a scene. Camera Angle The view point chosen from which to photograph a subject. Camera Blocking The process of notating the changing position of the camera, lens size, and focus during a particular scene. Camera Control Unit An external device sitting between the camera and the recording unit to control various aspects of the final image. Camera Coverage A reference to the amount and kind of footage used to capture a scene during filmmaking and production.
Camera Cue A small signal-lamp on a professional video camera or monitor. Camera Dolly Camera support mounted on wheels enabling smooth movement in any direction. Camera Jib A boom device with a camera on one end, and a counterweight and camera controls on the other. Camera Link The name of a serial communication protocol for cameras. Camera Log A full log of all the shots you want to include in your video. Camera Operator A professional operator of a film or video camera as part of a film crew. Camlock An interchangeable single-pole electrical connector often used in temporary electrical power production and distribution predominantly used in North America. Candela The unit of measurement of the luminous power per unit solid angle emitted by a point light source in a particular direction. Candlepower An obsolete unit of measurement for luminous intensity. Cannon A style of electrical connector found on professional audio, video, and stage lighting equipment. Canon EF-M Lens Mount A derivative of the Canon EF lens mount designed for use with the Canon EOS M camera. Cans Slang for on-ear headphones worn by production personnel. Canted Angle A camera shot whereby the camera is angled so that the horizontal frame line is not parallel to the horizon. Canted Frame A camera shot whereby the camera is angled so that the horizontal frame line is not parallel to the horizon. Capacitance A measure of the ability of an electrical component to store an electrical charge. Capacitance Electronic Disc Grooved, plastic videodisc, 12" in diameter, data recorded in pits at the bottom of the grooves
& read by an electronic stylus. Capstan In a videotape machine, a rotating spindle that is used to move the recording tape through the recording/playback mechanism. Caption Text derived from either a transcript or screenplay of the dialog or commentary in films, television programs, video games, and the like, usually displayed at the bottom of the screen, but can also be at the top of the screen if there is already text at the bottom of the screen. Captioning The display of a text version of the audio track on a video media stream, file, or broadcast. Cardioid Microphone The most common type of unidirectional microphone; pickup pattern resembles a heart-shaped figure. Cassette A permanently encased videotape that winds and rewinds from reel-to-reel. Catalyst A character, event, or set of circumstances that motivate or otherwise cause a protagonist to take action, start a quest or a journey. Catharsis In scriptwriting, the effect of releasing strong emotions, usually through re-experiencing a past emotional experience. Causal Prediction In scriptwriting, an audience’s unconscious forecasting of what will happen in a standard plot based on certain known causes and effects. Cause And Effect A scriptwriting technique that uses a linear sequence of events that logically progress from one to the other, with the prior action "causing" the latter to happen.
Cave Effect In lighting, an effect that occurs when lighting fixtures direct all of their lightings downward, with little or no light reflected towards the ceiling or upper wall portions. CBHD China Blue High-definition Disc CCD Charge-coupled device CC Filter Optical filter that enables fine adjustments to the color balance, tone, or density. CCFL Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp CCI Co-channel interference CCIR Comité Consultatif International des Radiocommunications CCIR System A The 405-line analog television display standard used in the UK and Ireland until it was discontinued in 1985. CCIR System B The 625-line analog broadcast standard for the VHF band television system used in most countries. CCIR System G The 625-line analog television display standard used in the European UHF system, as well as the majority of Asian and African countries. CCIR System H An analog broadcast television system used on the UHF bands in Belgium, the Balkans, and Malta. CCIR System I An analog broadcast television system first used in the Republic of Ireland starting in 1962. CCIR System J The analog video display standard for Japan. It ceased operations in 2011. CCIR System M The analog broadcast television system used since July 1941 in the United States, most of the Americas, Caribbeans, South Korea, and Taiwan. C Connector A connector used for terminating a coaxial cable. CCT Correlated Color Temperature CCTV Closed-circuit television CD-I Compact Disc-Interactive CDDA Compact Disc Digital Audio CDDI Copper distributed data interface CE-HTML A special version of HTML designed to allow controlling consumer electronic devices over home networks or Internet connections. CEA-608 The standard for closed captioning analog television broadcasts in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. CED Capacitance electronic disc Cel In animation: the transparent sheet on which a scene has been painted or hand-drawn. Celluloid The name of the synthetic plastic material used to manufacture photographic and motion picture films until the 1950s. Century Stand A stand primarily used to position light modifiers, such as silks, nets, or flags, in front of light sources. Ceramic Microphone A type of microphone that senses audio vibrations through contact with solid objects. CFF Critical flicker fusion frequency CGA Color Graphics Adapter CGI Computer Generated Imagery Changeover Cue A visual indicator located on the upper right-hand corner of a film frame, telling the projectionist to change the reel. Channel In the context of digital image processing, a channel is a grayscale image or frame representing one of the primary colors that make up the color version of the same. Channel Coding An error correction technique that uses redundant data to avoid relying on the sender retransmitting faulty data. Character In scriptwriting, a person (or equivalent) that drives a part of the narrative Character Arc The shaping of the story arc that follows the transformation or inner journey of a character. Character Development The shaping of the story arc that follows the transformation or inner journey of a character. Character Generator The device (or software) that produces static or animated streams of letters, numbers, symbol that gets keyed into a video stream. The typical use of a character generator is to produce titles. Characterization The representation of persons (or other beings) in narratives such as dramatic works of art, screenplays, etc. Charge-coupled Device An integrated circuit that converts light into electrical charges, which the camera's circuits then convert into images. Cheater Cord A special extension cord used by technicians to apply AC power to a device. Cheater Cut Introductory footage showed at the beginning of an episode part of a series as an overview or recap of what happened in the previous episode. Cheat Shot The insertion of a shot, usually taken from a different camera, as a bridge to disguise a mistake or a cut. Chebyshev Filter Analog or digital filters having a steeper roll-off than Butterworth filters, and have passband ripple (type I) or stopband ripple (type II). Checkerboard Assembly A nonsequential method of auto assembly in which the computerized editing system records all edits from the videotape playback reels currently in use, leaving gaps to be filled later by subsequent reels. Checksum A checksum is a small-sized value used to detect errors that may have been introduced during data transmission or storage. Chemical Fog Fog-like artifact appearing during the development of a film on parts that were not exposed to light. Chiaroscuro A term used to indicate extremely low key and high-contrast lighting to create distinct areas of light and darkness in films, especially in black and white films. Chroma A measurement of the quality of light of a given color by comparing its hue and saturation to a reference color source. Chroma Burst A generated analog or composite video signal designed to keep the chrominance subcarrier synchronized in a television signal. Chroma Corrector A device, or circuit, in a camera that automatically corrects chroma, color balance and color noise problems in the video signal. Chromakey Chroma key compositing is a technique used for layering two images or video streams together based on matching color hues. Chroma Key Chroma key compositing is a technique used for layering two images or video streams together based on matching color hues. Chroma Noise Image noise that displays as colored pixels; also known as colored snow. Chroma Subsampling A color video signal encoding and compression technique that favors luminance over chroma (color) information. Chromatic Aberration Problem caused by the camera lens' inability to bring the colors to a focus at the same point. Chromatic Distortion Problem caused by the camera lens' inability to bring the colors to a focus at the same point. Chromaticity Measurement of color quality expressed by the combination of hue and saturation. Chrominance A measurement of the quality of light of a given color by comparing its hue and saturation to a reference color source. Chrominance Noise Image noise that displays as colored pixels; also known as colored snow. Chromostereopsis An application of chromostereopsis and a component of 3D TV technology. Chromostereoscopy An application of chromostereopsis and a component of 3D TV technology. Chronophotography An antique photographic technique that uses a series of photographs of a moving object for the purpose of displaying successive phases of the motion. Chyron A partial overlay of a video stream that combines text and graphic elements to provide the viewer with contextual information. CIE 1931 The international authority on light, illumination, color, and color spaces. CIELAB A color space where equal distances represent the threshold of perceived color differences of equal size. CIEXYZ The international authority on light, illumination, color, and color spaces. CIF Common Intermediate Format Cinch Marks Scratches on a film roll running parallel to the film's edge. CineAlta The name of a series of professional digital movie cameras produced by Sony. CineForm An open-source, 12-bit, full-frame wavelet compression video codec published by GoPro. Cinema Digital Sound A multi-channel surround sound format used for theatrical films in the early 1990s. CinemaDNG An open file format intended to store high-resolution video streams in raw format. Cinemascope A trade name for a system of anamorphic lenses and widescreen (2.35:1) projection. Cinematic Language A combination of methods, techniques, and conventions that use moving images (visual and aural) to tell a story, mostly without the help of spoken words. Cinematograph The name of the original movie camera; a device that also served as a film projector and a printer. Cinematographer The person responsible for the camera and the lighting work during the production of a film or video. Cineon One of the first computer-based digital film systems, created by Kodak in the early 1990s. Cinepak A lossy, medium bandwidth compression scheme; it is not real-time, but can playback in software. Cinerama The brand name of an early widescreen projection process. Circle-in Starting a scene with an opening circle that comes in from the edges of the screen. Circle-out Ending a scene with a closing circle that comes in from the edges of the screen. Circuit Breaker A switch mechanism designed to protect a circuit by automatically interrupting the flow when an overload or fault is detected. Clacker A device that combines a hinged clapper stick and a slate. These boards are designed to assist the synchronizing of pictures and sound during post-production. Clair-obscur A term used to indicate extremely low key and high-contrast lighting to create distinct areas of light and darkness in films, especially in black and white films. Clamper An electronic circuit that combines a diode, a resistor, and a capacitor to a DC level to an AC signal. Clamping Circuit An electronic circuit that combines a diode, a resistor, and a capacitor to a DC level to an AC signal. Clap The audio signal indicating the start of a scene in a raw, unedited version of a film. Clapboard A device that combines a hinged clapper stick and a slate. These boards are designed to assist the synchronizing of pictures and sound during post-production. Clapper A device that combines a hinged clapper stick and a slate. These boards are designed to assist the synchronizing of pictures and sound during post-production. Clapperboard A device that combines a hinged clapper stick and a slate. These boards are designed to assist the synchronizing of pictures and sound during post-production. Claymation A stop-motion animation created using clay. Click And Drag The part of the user interface that allows for virtual objects to be moved to a different location using the mouse pointer. Click Track A track containing a series of repetitive visual or audio cues, used to synchronize sound and images in a video. Cliff Effect The abrupt interruption of a digital device that occurs when the receiver can no longer process the incoming signal due to quality or strength issues. Cliffhanger A plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma or confronted with a shocking revelation at the end of an episode of serialized fiction. Climax In a script or story timeline, the point of highest tension, drama, or emotional upheaval. Clip A short segment of electronic audio or video media often sampled from a larger recording. Clip Bin A list of the locations of individual audio and video clips (or scenes) to be used as a reference during editing.
Clipped Highlights The loss of details due to the luminance signal being cut off by the video system to prevent exceeding its limits. Clipped Whites The loss of details due to the luminance signal being cut off by the video system to prevent exceeding its limits. Clipping The distortion of an audio or video signal, resulting in the high amplitude peaks being cut off. Clipping is often caused by the overloading of amplifier circuits. Clip Sheet A list of the locations of individual audio and video clips (or scenes) to be used as a reference during editing.
Clock Frequency A measure of the frequency at which a computer processor's clock can generate pulses; typically used as a speed indicator. Clock Jitter The timing deviation from the signal's expected or ideal values in a digital electronic system. Clock Phase Deviation A measure of the difference (skew) between two electronic clock's timing in a synchronous system -- such as a computer. Clock Rate A measure of the frequency at which a computer processor's clock can generate pulses; typically used as a speed indicator. Clock Recovery The circuitry, or process, that extracts the clocking information from serial data streams in serial communications. Clock Skew A measure of the difference (skew) between two electronic clock's timing in a synchronous system -- such as a computer. Clock Speed A measure of the frequency at which a computer processor's clock can generate pulses; typically used as a speed indicator. Clock Wipe A transition between two video scenes that sweeps a radius around the center of the initial frame to reveal the subsequent shot. Clone A hardware or software system that is designed to function in the same way as another system. Closed-circuit Television A video system that distributes signals to a limited number of screens; most often used for security, medical and educational purposes. Closed Caption The processes involved in displaying synchronized text on a television, video screen, or other visual display to provide the viewer with additional or interpretive information. Closed Captioning The display of a text version of the audio track on a video media stream, file, or broadcast. Close Up A video or still shot taken at a relatively close range that tightly frames the subject, person, or object. Closing Credits A list of the production personnel (actors, cast, and crew) displayed at the tail end of a movie, video stream, or similar media. CLV Constant Linear Velocity CMOS Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor C Mount A standard threaded, male-to-female mount interface for small camera lenses. Internal diameter: 1"; thread pitch 1/32"; flange-to-image plane distance: 0.69". CNR Carrier-to-noise ratio Co-site Sampling A photographic technique that combines multiple images (4, 16, or 36) into one to deliver high-precision color information. Coating A type of optical coating applied to the surface of lenses and other optical elements to reduce reflection. Coaxial Cable A common type of electrical cable, used primarily to transport data, video, and voice; consists of an inner conductor surrounded by multiple layers of insulating material. CoaXPress A digital interface standard designed for high-speed data transmission (up to 12.5 Gbit/s) between imaging devices and applications. Codec A device or software designed to convert digital audio and video data streams in real-time; compressing data for storage, and expanding it for playback. Coded Image The digital representation of an image in a format suitable for storage and processing. Coefficient Of Utilization A measure of the efficiency of a light source in transferring energy to the working plane in a particular area. COFDM Coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing Coincidence In a rangefinder, two half images of a distant object are "in coincidence" when they are in exact juxtaposition. Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp A fluorescent lamp with a glass discharge tube and fluorescent coating on the inside, operated by a cathode that is not electrically heated by a filament. Cold Color Pale colors, often with a blue, green, or indigo tint. Cold Open A cold open is a narrative tactic where the video jumps directly into a story, before any title sequence or opening credits are shown. Collaborative Real-time Editor A network-connected software or application that allows multiple users to modify assets such as code, videos, or other digital entities simultaneously in a shared virtual environment Collimated Light beam where all the rays are parallel. Collimation The process of aligning the optical elements of a device. Color-crawl A distracting wavy effect produced when converging lines in a video image are nearly parallel to a monitor's scanning lines. Color-Timed Master A fully color-graded version of the movie that uses the high-resolution source footage. Color Banding A computer graphic artifact that results in a visible stepping of shades in a gradient. Color Bars A television test pattern used to configure monitors to the NTSC standard. Color Bay The control room for color grading video in a post-production environment. Colorburst A generated analog or composite video signal designed to keep the chrominance subcarrier synchronized in a television signal. Color Center The region in the brain responsible for the perception and processing of color signals. Color Contamination In an image, the result of one color being affected by the presence of another color in close proximity. Color Control Unit An external device sitting between the camera and the recording unit to control various aspects of the final image. Color Correction The process of using gels, filters, or digital tools to alter the color of the light. Color Cycling A technique used in computer graphics in which colors are changed in order to give the impression of animation. Color Decoder A device that divides a video signal into its basic color components. Color Depth The number of bits used to indicate the color of a given pixel; alternatively: the number of bits used for each color component of a pixel. Color Difference Set An interim color space standard used during the early days of HDTV (1988-1998). Color Difference Signals In analog television, the video signals obtained by subtraction of the luminance value from the primary color signals. Color Encoder A device that produces an analog color signal from separate R, G, and B video inputs. Color Encoding A device that produces an analog color signal from separate R, G, and B video inputs. Color Filter A transparent colored material that is used in theater, event production, photography, videography and cinematography to color light and for color correction. Color Framing The color frame sequence of fields in a composite video signal. Colorfulness The degree of perceived chromatic intensity relative to a corresponding black, white, or grey image or object. Color Gel A transparent colored material that is used in theater, event production, photography, videography and cinematography to color light and for color correction. Color Grading The process of improving the appearance of an image for presentation in different environments on different devices. Color Graphics Adapter IBM's first graphics card and first color display card for the IBM PC: 640×200, 16 colors. Colorimeter A device, such as a camera, used to profile and calibrate output devices. Colorimetry The process involving the measurement of color and the analysis of the results. Color Intensity The saturation of a color; a measurement of how close a color is to gray. Colorist The person responsible for the color grading and color adjustments of/to a film or video in post-production. Colorization A process that adds plausible color to black-and-white, sepia, or other monochrome moving-picture images. Color Magazine A fixture attached to a follow spot that places different color filters in the path of the beam. Color Modulator A device that produces an analog color signal from separate R, G, and B video inputs. Color Phase The phase of the chroma signal as compared to the color burst. Color Processing The process of improving the appearance of an image for presentation in different environments on different devices. Color Rendering Index A measure of the ability of a light source to reveal the true colors of various objects. Color Response A reference to the sensitivity of a device, such as a camera or a video recorder, to different wavelengths of light. Color Sampling Rate A color video signal encoding and compression technique that favors luminance over chroma (color) information. Color Separation Overlay Chroma key compositing is a technique used for layering two images or video streams together based on matching color hues. Color Shift A measure of the amount of change in the hue of colors when recorded or displayed in a particular format or device. Color Space A named mathematical model of a pre-defined range of colors. Color Subcarrier The signal added to a black and white television signal to add color information. Color Subsampling A color video signal encoding and compression technique that favors luminance over chroma (color) information. Color Suite The control room for color grading video in a post-production environment. Color Temperature The temperature of an ideal black-body radiator that radiates light of a color comparable to that of the light source. Color Timing The process of improving the appearance of an image for presentation in different environments on different devices. Color Vectorscope Electronic testing device that measures a video signal's chrominance performance, plotting qualities in a compass-like graphic display. Coma A lens defect associated with images away from the optical axis. Comb Filter A processing filter implemented by adding a delayed version of a signal to itself, causing constructive and destructive interference. Comet Tailing A smear of light resulting from the inability of the camera's pickup to process bright objects, especially in darker settings. A voice-over track relating an opinion or a description of the scene(s), presented from an omniscient point of view by an off-camera commentator.
Commercial Bumper A brief announcement, usually two to fifteen seconds in length that can contain a voice over, placed between a pause in the program and its commercial break, and vice versa. Common Image Format A standardized format for the picture resolution, frame rate, color space, and color subsampling of digital video sequences used in video teleconferencing systems. Common Interchange Format A standardized format for the picture resolution, frame rate, color space, and color subsampling of digital video sequences used in video teleconferencing systems. Common Interface Format A standardized format for the picture resolution, frame rate, color space, and color subsampling of digital video sequences used in video teleconferencing systems. Common Intermediate Format A standardized format for the picture resolution, frame rate, color space, and color subsampling of digital video sequences used in video teleconferencing systems. Communication Protocol A set of rules that allow two or more devices to exchange information via any kind of variation of a physical quantity. Compact Disc Data format, co-developed by Philips and Sony, capable of storing over an one hour of audio at 44.1 kHz on a disk read by a laser beam. Compact Disc-Interactive An outdated digital optical disc data storage format that combined audio, text, and graphics created by Philips. Support ended in 1998. Compact Disc Digital Video A home video format and the first format for distributing films on standard 120 mm (4.7 in) optical discs. Complementary Colors Pairs of colors which, when combined or mixed, cancel each other and produce a grayscale color. Completion Bond An insurance policy offered by a guarantor company and used in independently financed films or video projects. Completion Guarantee An insurance policy offered by a guarantor company and used in independently financed films or video projects. Component Video A video signal that has been split into two or more (typically 3) component channels. Component Video Sync An analog signal consisting of horizontal sync pulses, vertical sync pulses and equalizing pulses. Composite Character In scriptwriting, a composite is a character based on the combination of attributes from two or more individuals; more often than not, one of those individual is the author or writer. Composite Monitor A video monitor which accepts analog* signals. The signals transmitted to an analog monitor are usually between 0 and 1 V and use 75 ohm coaxial cables. Composite Print A physical copy of a film that includes both sound and picture, synchronized alongside each other on the physical layer. Composite Sync An analog signal consisting of horizontal sync pulses, vertical sync pulses and equalizing pulses. Composite Video A composite (analog) video transmission carrier of standard definition video over a single channel. Compositing The combining of visual elements from separate sources into single images, often to create the illusion that all those elements are parts of the same scene. Composition Visual make-up of a video picture, including such variables as balance, framing, field of view and texture all aesthetic considerations. Combined qualities form an image that’s pleasing to view. Compositor The person responsible for creating visual special effects through compositing. Compression An encoding process that results in a decrease in the number of bits required to store data. Compression Power The relative reduction in the size of data produced by a compression algorithm. Compression Ratio The relative reduction in the size of data produced by a compression algorithm. Computer Generated Imagery The process of generating and seamlessly integrating visual elements generated by a computer into an existing scene. Concatenation The linking of elements (clips, tracks, words, etc.) together without gaps. Concept Art Illustrations used to visualize assets for use in videos and other media before they are placed into the final product. Condenser Microphone with built-in amplifier. Conditional Access In digital television systems, the restriction of content to viewers meeting pre-established criteria. Confidant A character in a story whom a protagonist trusts and confides secrets to. Conflict In scriptwriting, the challenge the main characters need to solve to achieve their goals. Conforming The process of editing an audio or video project to create the final master. Constant Bitrate The delivery of multimedia where there is dedicated bandwidth and the data can be delivered at a guaranteed constant bit rate. Contact Microphone A type of microphone that senses audio vibrations through contact with solid objects. Contingency In a budget, the amount of money set aside to cover unforeseen costs. Continuity The coherence of people, storylines, objects, and places appearing in a script or video over its timeline. Continuity Editing The organization and sequencing of events, characters, and props to ensure a consistent representation of the progress of time. Contouring Digital video picture defects caused quantizing at too coarse a level. Contrapuntal Sound Audio (soundtrack or music) that contrasts with the visual story to make a point. Contrast The difference in color intensity that allows objects in an image to be distinguishable. Contrast Cut A cut that juxtaposes and contrasts two subjects for high visual impact. Contrast Ratio A measure of the difference in color intensity that allows objects in an image to be distinguishable. Contrazoom An in-camera effect that requires focusing on a single point while zooming in (or out) and dollying out (or in). Control-L A wired edit control protocol allowing two-way communication between cameras and similar devices. Control Track In an analog videotape, a track that runs along an outside edge of the tape to keep the speed in sync with the recording. Cookie A device placed between the light source and the subject used to cast shadows or silhouettes and produce a patterned illumination. Cool Color Pale colors, often with a blue, green, or indigo tint. Cool White A light source with a correlated color temperature of between 4100K and 5000K. Copper Distributed Data Interface A high-speed data interface similar to Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) but using copper cables instead of fiber optic cables. Cordless Microphone A microphone that uses a small radio transmitter to transmit the audio signal to the receiver. Core A cylinder of glass or plastic that runs along the optical fiber's length. Core Audio A low-level sound API tightly integrated into Apple's macOS and iOS operating systems. Coverage A reference to the amount and kind of footage used to capture a scene during filmmaking and production.
Crab The process of locating a moving object (or multiple objects) over time using a camera. Crane Shot A shot taken by a camera mounted on a moving crane or jib to give the viewer a unique and dynamic perspective on a scene. Crawl Text or graphics typically used for special announcements and produced by a character generator. Crawling Dot Pattern A distracting wavy effect produced when converging lines in a video image are nearly parallel to a monitor's scanning lines. Crawl Roll Text or graphics typically used for special announcements and produced by a character generator. Crawl Space The area where the crawl roll is displayed on the screen. CRC Cyclic redundancy check Creative Geography A filmmaking technique, subset of montage, in which multiple segments shot at various locations and/or times are edited together such that they appear to all occur in a continuous place at a continuous-time. Credit A written or verbal acknowledgment of the author(s) or copyright holder(s) of a contribution. Credits Text that provides attribution to the staff involved in the production of the video. Crest Factor In a lamp ballast, the ratio of the maximum lamp current relative to the average operating current. Crew The group of people hired to work behind the camera(s) on the production of a film or video. CRI Color Rendering Index Crimping A method of attaching cables together by deforming either or both's ends. Crispening A processing filter that enhances the edge contrast of an image or video in an attempt to improve its apparent sharpness. Critical Fusion Frequency The frequency at which an intermittent light stimulus appears to be completely steady to the average human observer. Crop Factor The ratio of the dimensions of a camera's imaging area compared to a reference format -- typically: the 35 mm film format. Cropping The removal of unwanted areas from a video or still image. Cross-channel Fade The gradual mix of sound sources through the manipulation of two or more mix console faders simultaneously. Cross-conversion The process of converting from one high definition video standard to another. Cross-cutting An editing technique used to establish actions occurring at the same time and (usually) in the same place. Cross-fade The gradual mix of sound sources through the manipulation of two or more mix console faders simultaneously. Cross Backlight Light placed behind the subject to create a glamorous halo effect on the hair or a rugged-looking highlight on the cheek. Helps separate the subject from the background. Cross Cut An editing technique used to establish actions occurring at the same time and (usually) in the same place. Cross Dissolve A video transition that fades the end of the preceding clip into the beginning of the next. Crossfade The gradual mix of sound sources through the manipulation of two or more mix console faders simultaneously. Cross Screen Filter A physical or digital light filter that creates a star-like visual effect out of a light source. Crosstalk The bleeding of a signal (expressed in dB) from one audio or electrical channel to another. Crushed Blacks Reduced detail in the shadow areas of an image caused by under-exposing the image. C Story A secondary strand of the plot that is a supporting side story for any story or the main plot. Cucoloris A device placed between the light source and the subject used to cast shadows or silhouettes and produce a patterned illumination. Cue A marker used to determine the desired initial playback point of a piece of digital media in a queue. Cue Blip A visual indicator located on the upper right-hand corner of a film frame, telling the projectionist to change the reel. Cue Card An off-screen card with text lines that are designed to help an actor, speaker, or character to recall spoken lines. Cue Dot A visual indicator located on the upper right-hand corner of a film frame, telling the projectionist to change the reel. Cue Light A small signal-lamp on a professional video camera or monitor. Cue Mark A visual indicator located on the upper right-hand corner of a film frame, telling the projectionist to change the reel. Cue Sheet A list of music and audio tracks used in the production of a video maintained for the purposes of obtaining proper usage rights. Cut An abrupt, but usually trivial film transition from one sequence of the video to another. Cut-in A shot that shows material present in a scene in greater detail, usually using a close-up shot. Cutaway An interruption of the flow of action created by the insertion of a single shot in the sequence during editing. Cuts-Only Editing A fast editing technique that limits the editing to the shifts between scenes, without any transitions. Cutting On Action The process of aligning or overlapping the shots of a film sequence in order to achieve a smooth transition from the action in one shot to the action of the succeeding shot. Cutting Rhythm The rhythmic pattern established by the duration of the shots that make up a scene. Cyan A blue-green color, complementary to red. Cyclic Redundancy Check A code used in digital networks and storage devices to detect accidental changes to raw data. Cyc Light Row lights for evenly illuminating a cyclorama or other background. Cyclorama A panoramic image displayed the inside of a cylindrical platform, designed to give viewers standing in the middle of the Cylinder a 360° view, D-1 An early (1986) SMPTE standard format for recording and storing digital video at a resolution 720 × 486 (NTSC). D-2 An early (1988) professional recording format for storing digital video; created by Ampex. D-3 An early (1991) uncompressed composite digital video storage format; commercialized by Panasonic. D-4 A recording tape format was never developed because the number 4 is considered unlucky in Japan. D-5 A professional video recording format developed by Panasonic (1994) using the same 1/2 inch tapes as D-3. D-5 HD A high-density extension of the D-5 format; uses an intra-frame compression with a 4:1 ratio but the same tape. D-6 An SMPTE videocassette standard capable of recording and playing uncompressed HDTV signal. D-7 A variation of DV developed by Panasonic and introduced in 1995 for use in electronic news gathering (ENG) equipment. D-9 An early (1995) professional digital video videocassette format created by JVC. D-9 HD A high definition digital component format based on D-9. D-Beta A tape format that superseded both Betacam and Betacam SP in 1993. D-Cinema The use of digital technology to distribute or project motion pictures. D-ILA A projection technology that uses miniaturized reflective active-matrix liquid-crystal display using a liquid crystal layer on top of a silicon backplane. D-tanshi A physical and logical analog interface, defined in the original IEEE 802.3 standard for 10BASE5 Ethernet. D-Terminal A physical and logical analog interface, defined in the original IEEE 802.3 standard for 10BASE5 Ethernet. D-VHS A digital video recording format developed by JVC, in collaboration with Hitachi, Matsushita, and Philips. D6 HDTV VTR An SMPTE videocassette standard capable of recording and playing uncompressed HDTV signal. DA Distribution amplifier Daala A video coding format under development by the Xiph.Org Foundation designed to rival HEVC and VP9. DAC Digital-to-analog converter Dailies Daily prints of a film used for evaluation purposes. Daisy Chain A wiring scheme in which multiple devices are wired together in sequence or in a ring. DALI Digital Addressable Lighting Interface Dark Current The relatively small electric current that flows through photosensitive devices; one of the main sources of noise in image sensors such as CCDs. Data-rate Units A measure of the average number of bits passed between two points of a communication link in a fixed timeframe; usually expressed in bit/s, kbps, Mpbs and Gbps. Datacasting The broadcasting of data over a wide area using radio waves. Data Compression An encoding process that results in a decrease in the number of bits required to store data. Data Corruption Errors in computer data that occur during writing, reading, storage, transmission, or processing, which introduce unintended changes to the original data. DAW Digital Audio Workstation Day For Night Cinematic techniques that allow simulating a night scene while filming in daylight. Daylight Lamp A lighting component with a correlated color temperature value comparable to that of daylight (between 5500K and 6500K.) Day Out Of Days Chart tallying the number of paid days for each cast member of a film production crew. DB13W3 An obsolete D-subminiature connector used for analog video interfaces. DBS Direct broadcast via satellite Dbx A family of noise reduction systems developed by Dobly. DCE Distributed Codec Engine DCI 2K A standard for video display with a resolution of 2048 × 1080 and an aspect ratio of 256:135 (1.8962:1). DCI 4K A standard for video display with a resolution of 3840 × 2160 and an aspect ratio of 16:9. DCP Digital Cinema Package DCT Discrete cosine transform DDP Disc Description Protocol DDWF Digital Display Working Group De-essing The techniques related to reducing or removing exaggerated hissing in recorded voice patterns. Dead Spot A place in which a sound waves are canceled by reflections arriving out of phase with the wanted signal thus creating an area of silence or poor audibility. Dead Sync During editing, the moment when the sound and picture elements align perfectly. Dead Time A visual effect of detaching the time and space of a camera from those of its visible subject. Deblocking Filter A processing filter that aims to improve the visual quality and prediction performance of an encoded video by smoothing sharp edges. Decay The time it takes for a sound or note to go from peak amplitude (attack) to the sustain level as it is absorbed by the surfaces of objects in the space within which it occurs. Decibel In audio, a logarithmic unit of measurement of the sound pressure level, expressed as ratio or gain. Decode The process of reading data in one format and outputting it in another. Decoder In a camera, a circuit that converts signals from analog to digital. The term can also refer to the computer software used to perform decoding functions during format conversions. Deep Focus A style of cinematography and staging that uses relatively wide angle lenses and small lens apertures by maintaining objects in the extreme background and foreground simultaneously focused. Definition A measure of an aggregate of the fine details available on-screen during playback. Deflicking A filtering operation applied to brightness in video processing. Defocus Transition A type of transition accomplished by rolling the lens focus until the scene becomes blurred. Degausser A device designed to manipulate magnetic fields to erase recordings on magnetic tapes and films, or to demagnetize magnetic recording heads. Degradation The deterioration in quality, level, or standard of performance of an electronic signal during transmission. Deinterlacing The process of converting interlaced video into a non-interlaced form.
Delay Correction A technique used to reduce or eliminate errors caused by mechanical instability present in analog recordings on mechanical media. Demodulation A process performed by an electronic circuit that separates the audio and video signals from the original carrier wave signal. Demo Reel A short, edited video montage or footage showcasing someone's work for the purpose of employment or promotion. Demultiplexing Software or logic circuits that extract individual elementary streams of a media file, e.g., audio, video, or subtitles and sends them to their respective decoders for actual decoding. Demux Software or logic circuits that extract individual elementary streams of a media file, e.g., audio, video, or subtitles and sends them to their respective decoders for actual decoding. Denoising The process of removing noise from a video signal. Denouement In scriptwriting: the unfolding of the driving story, or the final resolution or conclusion of a plot. Depth Of Field In an image , the distance between the closest and the farthest objects that are acceptably sharp. Depth Of Focus The distance between the camera lens and the film or sensor that can be altered without blurring the image. Descriptive Video Service A service that provides an audio description of the setting and action of a film for the visually impaired. Desibilizing The techniques related to reducing or removing exaggerated hissing in recorded voice patterns. Desktop Video A period (from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s) that saw the fusion of personal computers and home video components for elaborate videomaking. Device Independent Bitmap A raster graphics image file format developed by Microsoft for the Windows and OS/2 operating systems. Dialect Coach An acting coach who helps an actor design the voice and speech of a character in a particular production context. Dialogue A written or spoken exchange between two or more people; alternatively, a literary and theatrical form that depicts such an exchange. Dialogue, Music And Effects A file containing separate tracks for the 3 primary divisions of sound in film: dialogue, music, and sound effects; used for final mix, foreign language dubbing, or trailer editing. Dialogue Editor A sound editor that focuses his or her work on editing the spoken exchanges or tracks. Dialogue Track An audio track that contains the isolated recording of the speech, separate from those which contain the music and the sound effects. Diaphragm In a camera, a component designed to control amount of peripheral light going through the lens aperture. Dichroism The property of a material or surface to reflect or transmit different colors. Diegesis A storytelling style that relates the internal world from the point of view of the characters' own experience. Diegetic Sound The sound that is present and/or captured during the recording of the video. Difference Key A matte extraction technique that separates a subject from its background using pixel value differences. Difference Mattes A matte extraction technique that separates a subject from its background using pixel value differences. Diffraction Phenomena that cause light waves to spread around the edges of a narrow obstacle or aperture. Diffused Light The light produced directly or through reflection by an extended surface, resulting in a uniform and soft distribution with minimal shadows. Diffuser Material that alters the quality of light passing through in order to produce lighting with less noticeable shadows. Diffusion The light produced directly or through reflection by an extended surface, resulting in a uniform and soft distribution with minimal shadows. Diffusion Filter A lens filter that gives the recorded images a foggy, dreamy look. Digi A tape format that superseded both Betacam and Betacam SP in 1993. DigiBeta A tape format that superseded both Betacam and Betacam SP in 1993. Digicam A camera that captures images in digital memory (as opposed to physical film.) Digiscoping The use of a camera to record distant images through an optical telescope. Digital-S An early (1995) professional digital video videocassette format created by JVC. Digital Asset Anything that exists in a self-contained, binary format and comes with the right to use. Digital Audio Tape A linear medium for recording and playing back signal, developed by Sony and introduced in 1987. Digital Betacam A tape format that superseded both Betacam and Betacam SP in 1993. Digital Camera A camera that captures images in digital memory (as opposed to physical film.) Digital Cinema The use of digital technology to distribute or project motion pictures. Digital Cinema Package The digital files used for the storage and playback of digital cinema (DC) audio, image, and data streams. Digital Imaging Technician A person that works on the technical aspects of digital cinematography, such as workflow and image manipulation. Digital Intermediate The process of color correction, color grading, and final mastering of digital video production. Digitalization The general process of converting a video or audio signal from analog to digital for storage and/or playback. Digital Micromirror Device The microoptoelectromechanical system (MOEMS) that is the core of the trademarked DLP projection technology from Texas Instruments (TI). Digital Multiplex 512 The standard for digital communication networks that allow 512 channels to be controlled digitally through 1 data cable; commonly used to control stage lighting and effects. Digital Negative An image format for digital photography developed and patented by Adobe. Digital Recording A process that includes digitizing of an audio or video signal and converting the result to a stream. Digital Rights Management Access control technologies used for restricting the use of proprietary hardware and copyrighted works. Digital Signal The result of the conversion of the original (analog) video signal into a pattern of bits. Digital Signal 1 The primary digital telephone standard used in the United States, Canada and Japan to transmit multiplexed voice and data calls over telephone lines. Digital Signal 3 A terrestrial and satellite format for transmitting information digitally. Digital Single Lens Reflex A digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex camera with a digital imaging sensor, as opposed to photographic film. Digital Switchover The process in which older analog television broadcasting technology is converted to and replaced by digital television. Digital Television The broadcasting of video and audio signals in digital format, or the television sets that decode these incoming signals. Digital Television Transition The process in which older analog television broadcasting technology is converted to and replaced by digital television. Digital Video Effect A visual effect that includes comprehensive video image manipulation, such as transitioning, tumbling, strobing, posterization, solarization, etc. Digital Video Recorder A device that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, memory drive, or other networked mass storage. Digital Voodoo An SMPTE videocassette standard capable of recording and playing uncompressed HDTV signal. Digital Watermarking Marker embedded in a digital signal typically used to identify ownership of the copyright of the original signal. Digital Zoom A method of decreasing the apparent angle of view that combines cropping and digital enhancement. Digitization The general process of converting a video or audio signal from analog to digital for storage and/or playback. DiiVA A bi-directional audio/video interface for transmitting compressed and uncompressed digital streams. Dimmer A device for varying power to the lights. DIN German Institute for Standardization DIN 1.0/2.3 An RF connector used for coaxial cable at microwave frequencies. DIN Connector An international connector standard for both audio and video signals; common in Europe. Dirac An open and royalty-free video format developed by the BBC. Direct3D A component of Microsoft DirectX utilizing the video card or graphics processing unit to render 3D graphics. Direct Animation An animation technique where footage is produced by creating the images directly on film stock. Direct Broadcast Via Satellite An alternative to cable and analog satellite reception that transmits television signals in a digital format via a satellite in geosynchronous orbit with the Earth. Direct Current The flow of charged particles in one unchanging direction. Direct Cut An instantaneous change of shots executed without an optical transition device. Directing The Eye The tactic of using lighting and other composition elements to emphasize the important part of the shot. Direct Lighting Lighting where more than 90% of the light goes directly from the source to the area you wish to illuminate. Director The person who directs the making of a video production controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects and visualizes the script. Director's Cut A version of a video meant to represent the director's own approved edit. Director Of Photography The person responsible for the camera and the lighting work during the production of a film or video. Direct Sound When sound and image are recorded at the same time. DirectSound A deprecated software component of the Microsoft DirectX library providing an interface between Windows applications and the sound card driver. DirectVobSub An obsolete software add-on for Microsoft Windows that is able to read external subtitle files and superimposes them on a playing video file. DirectX A collection of APIs for handling tasks related to multimedia on Microsoft platforms. DirectX Video Acceleration A Microsoft API specification for the Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 platforms that allows video decoding to be hardware-accelerated. Disc Description Protocol A standard way of setting disc specifications; commonly used for delivery of disc pre masters for duplication. Discovery Shot A type of camera shot where the camera movement unexpectedly discovers an object or person in a scene that was previously undisclosed.
Discrete Cosine Transform A method for compressing video pictures by resolving blocks into frequencies, amplitudes, and colors. Display Data Channel A collection of protocols for digital communication between a computer display and a graphics adapter. Display Device An appliance, such as a monitor or television, that presents the video signal in a visual or tactile form. DisplayPort A digital display interface used to connect a video source to a display device as well as carry audio, USB, and other forms of data. Dissolve A transition between two scenes where the first merges imperceptibly into the second. Distortion The deviation in shape or structure from the original shape or structure of an image or sound. Distribution Amplifier A device that amplifies and distributes an original signal to multiple, isolated outputs without distortion. Distributor In the movie industry: the company responsible for the marketing of a film. DIT Digital imaging technician Dither A form of noise applied to randomize quantization error and to prevent large-scale patterns in images. DivX A brand of video codec products developed by DivX, LLC. DLP Digital Light Processing DLP Cinema A version of DLP technology developed for digital movie presentations. DMD Digital micromirror device DME Dialogue, Music and Effects D Mount A type of lens mount commonly found on 8mm movie cameras. DMS-59 A connector providing two DVI or VGA outputs in a single connector. DMX512 The standard for digital communication networks that allow 512 channels to be controlled digitally through 1 data cable; commonly used to control stage lighting and effects. Dolby 5.1 Six-channel (five speakers and one subwoofer for bass) digital surround sound system by Dolby. Dolby Atmos A surround sound technology developed by Dolby Laboratories. Dolby Digital Audio compression technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories. Dolby E Audio data compression and decoding technology that allows 6 to 8 channels of audio to be compressed into an AES3 digital audio stream that can be stored as a standard stereo pair of digital audio tracks. Dolby NR A noise reduction system developed by Dolby Laboratories for use in analog audio tape recording. Dolby SR A noise reduction format was developed by Dolby Laboratories and has been in common use in professional audio since 1986 and in cinema audio since the late 1980s. Dolby SVA The more significant sound format made by Dolby Laboratories. Dolby TrueHD A lossless multi-channel audio codec developed by Dolby Laboratories which is used in home-entertainment equipment such as Blu-ray Disc players and A/V receivers. Dolly A wheeled camera platform used for creating moving shots. Dolly Grip A dedicated technician trained to operate the camera dolly. Dollying A camera shot that physically advances or changes the position of the camera relative to the subject, changing the spatial relations between a subject and its surroundings. Dolly Shot A camera shot that physically advances or changes the position of the camera relative to the subject, changing the spatial relations between a subject and its surroundings. Dolly Zoom An in-camera effect that requires focusing on a single point while zooming in (or out) and dollying out (or in). Dot Crawl A visual defect of color analog video consisting of animated checkerboard patterns that appear along with horizontal color transitions. Double Exposure The visual effect resulting from the superimposition of two exposures to create a single image. Downstream Keying A visual effect in which one video signal is keyed on top of another. DPCM Differential pulse-code modulation DPX Digital Picture Exchange Drag And Drop The part of the user interface that allows for virtual objects to be moved to a different location using the mouse pointer. DRAM Dynamic random-access memory Dramatic Action The subtextual drama and actions that are driving and sustaining both the dialogue and the physical actions occurring on-screen.
Drawn-on-film Animation An animation technique where footage is produced by creating the images directly on film stock. Drift Flutter that occurs in analog media at random rates. Driver In lighting, a piece of electronic equipment that regulates and transforms the main supply voltage into a voltage appropriate for LED lighting. DRM Digital rights management Drop-frame Timecode Timecode that is modified to remain in sync when 29.97 fps NTSC video is broadcast at 30 fps. Drop-In Inserting audio in a track by playing up to a chosen point and switching the analog device from playback to record mode. Drop And Insert A point in the digital transmission process where parts of the signal can be dropped out and/or inserted. Drop Frame A type of SMPTE time code designed to match the real-time of common clocks. Dropout A momentary partial or complete loss of picture and/or sound caused by a device glitch or failure. Dry Gate The process of scanning the physical film with no fluid present. DSL Digital subscriber line DSLR Digital Single Lens Reflex DSS Digital Satellite Service DTIM Digital Theatre Interim Mastering Format DTMB Digital Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcast DTS-HD Master Audio A high-definition audio codec used for surround-sound movie soundtracks on Blu-ray Disc. DTTB Digital terrestrial television broadcasting Dual-system Sound A common production technique where sound and video are recorded on different devices. Dub The file or media that is the result of a dubbing process. Dubbing A process used in post-production where additional recordings are mixed with original production sound to create the finished soundtrack. Dunning Combining studio-filmed shots with background footage that has been filmed in a different place. Dupe A physical copy of a film negative. Duplitized Film A type of motion picture print film stock used for some two-color natural color processes. Dust Bust The process of removing dust, dirt, and scratches from a frame. Dutch Angle A camera shot whereby the camera is angled so that the horizontal frame line is not parallel to the horizon. Dutch Tilt A camera shot whereby the camera is angled so that the horizontal frame line is not parallel to the horizon. Duvetyne Heavy black cloth commonly used for blacking out light sources, controlling light spills and background scenery. DV A format for storing digital video. DV AVI A type of AVI file where the video has been formatted to the DV standards. DVB Digital Video Broadcasting DVB-C Digital Video Broadcasting Cable DVB-H Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld DVB-S2 Digital Video Broadcasting Satellite Second Generation DVB-T Digital Video Broadcasting — Terrestrial DVB-T2 Digital Video Broadcasting Second Generation Terrestrial DVCAM Sony's professional version of DV. DVCPRO A variation of DV developed by Panasonic and introduced in 1995 for use in electronic news gathering (ENG) equipment. DVD A digital optical videodisc format that can store much more video, audio, and computer data than the common CD. Like a CD, it is ca. 4 3/4 in. (12 cm.) in diameter. DVD-Video A consumer video format used to store digital video on DVD discs. DVGA A resolution of 960 × 640 pixels. DVI Digital Visual Interface DVR Digital video recorder DVR-MS Microsoft Digital Video Recording DVS Descriptive Video Service DVTR Digital videotape recorder DXVA DirectX Video Acceleration Dynamic Cutting An approach to film editing in which the cutting from one shot to the next is made abruptly apparent to the viewer. Dynamic Frame A visual technique that uses dynamic variations in the video frame ratio -- narrowing and widening -- to match or emphasize the scene. Dynamic Microphone Microphone type, also called "moving coil." Works much like a loudspeaker in reverse, employing a simple magnet and wire coil to convert sound waves into an electrical signal. Dynamic Range The ratio between the largest and smallest values of an audio or video digital signal. Usually expressed in decibels. Dynamic Rounding Dynamic Rounding is a technique devised by Quantel for truncating the word length of pixels – an unavoidable process when processing images. Ear A flag up on the side of a lighting unit to block light.
Earset A headset combines a headphone with a microphone. Headsets are made with either a single-earpiece (mono) or a double-earpiece (mono to both ears or stereo). Headsets provide the equivalent functionality of a telephone handset but with handsfree operation. EBU European Broadcasting Union EBU/SMPTE The European Broadcasting Union, an alliance of public service media organizations, established on 12 February 1950. ECC Error correction code Echo A reflection of sound that arrives at the listener with a delay after the direct sound. Edge Enhancement A processing filter that enhances the edge contrast of an image or video in an attempt to improve its apparent sharpness. Edge Numbers A series of numbers with key lettering printed along the edge of a 35 mm negative at intervals of one foot (16 frames or 64 perforations) and on a 16 mm negative at intervals of six inches (twenty frames). EDH Error Detection and Handling EDID Extended Display Identification Data Edit Process or result of selectively recording video and/or audio on finished videotape. Edit Conflict A computer problem that may occur when multiple editors edit the same file during a short time period. Edit Controller A device that connects to and controls both the source and record machines during the video editing process. Edit Control Protocols Types of signals designed to communicate between computers and tape decks--record, pause, rewind and so on. Edit Decision List A list that contains an ordered list of reel and timecode data representing where each video clip can be obtained in order to conform the final cut. Edit Master The recording media containing the completed/edited program. Editor The technician who assembles a movie from raw footage. Edit Point The location in a video where a production event occurs. (e.g., dissolve or wipe from one scene to another) Edit Points The beginning and end points of an edit when a video program or soundtrack is being assembled. EDTV Enhanced-definition television Effective Output Level The microphone sensitivity rating defined as the ratio in dB of the power available relative to sound pressure. Effects Stock Film stock optimized purely for shooting visual effects footage. EFP Electronic field production EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter EIA-608 The standard for closed captioning analog television broadcasts in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. EIA Multiport An audio/video connector used in consumer equipment, especially in Europe. Electret Condenser Microphone type incorporating a precharged element, eliminating need for bulky power sources. Electric Arc A lighting unit that generates illumination from an electrical arc between two carbon electrodes. Electronic Ballast A subtype of ballast that uses power electronics to provide a high-frequency voltage and controlled current for fluorescent lamps. Electronic Field Production Film-style production approach using a single camera to record on location. Typically shot for post-production application, non-live feed. Electronic News-gathering Use of portable video cameras, lighting and sound equipment to record news events in the field quickly, conveniently, and efficiently. Electronic Program Guide An application that provides an on-screen listing of all programming and content that an interactive television service subscriber or digital television viewer has available to them. Electrotachyscope An early motion picture system developed by chronophotographer Ottomar Anschütz between 1886 and 1894. Ellipsis The omission from a clause of one or more words that are nevertheless understood in the context of the remaining elements. Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight A type of stage lighting instrument, named for the ellipsoidal reflector used to collect and direct the light through a barrel that contains a lens or lens train. Embedded Audio Digital audio that is multiplexed and carried within an SDI connection. Emulsion The photo sensitive layer on a piece of film or paper. Encode The process of writing data to a different format, usually for the purpose of compressing to a smaller size. Encryption The process of encoding a message or information in such a way that only authorized parties can access it and those who are not authorized cannot. End Credits A list of the production personnel (actors, cast, and crew) displayed at the tail end of a movie, video stream, or similar media. End Of Active Video In BT.656, a stream-delimiting code indicating the start of a video sequence.
ENG Electronic news-gathering Enhanced Graphics Adapter An IBM PC computer display standard from 1984 that superseded and exceeded the capabilities of the CGA standard introduced with the original IBM PC, and was itself superseded by the VGA standard in 1987. Envelope Description of how a sound changes over time. EPG Electronic program guide Epilogue A piece of writing at the end of a work used to bring closure to the work. Equalization The sound in a room. It is recorded and intercut with dialogue to smooth out any editing points. Era In scriptwriting, a historical time and place that serves as the setting or “special world” of a story.
Error Concealment In digital video recording systems, a technique used when error correction fails. Erroneous data is replaced by data synthesized from surrounding pixels. Error Correction In digital video recording systems, a scheme that adds overhead to the data to permit a certain level of errors to be detected and corrected. Error Correction Code A block of check data used for controlling errors in data over unreliable or noisy communication channels. Error Detection In digital video recording systems, a scheme that adds overhead to the data to permit a certain level of errors to be detected and corrected. ERS Ellipsoidal reflector spotlight Essence The actual program (audio, video and/or data) without metadata. Ess Sound The excessive or exaggerated hissing in recorded voice patterns. Ethernet A type of high-speed network for interconnecting computing devices. EuroAV An audio/video connector used in consumer equipment, especially in Europe. Euroconector An audio/video connector used in consumer equipment, especially in Europe. European-style Terminal Block A low-voltage disconnectable (or pluggable) connector and terminal block combination commonly used for microphone- and line-level audio signals, and for control signals such as RS-232 or RS-485. Exposition The insertion of background information within a story or narrative. Exposure The amount of light per unit area reaching the image sensor, as determined by shutter speed, lens aperture and scene luminance. A higher exposure will result in a brighter picture.
Exposure Compensation A technique for adjusting the exposure indicated by a photographic exposure meter, in consideration of factors that may cause the indicated exposure to result in a less-than-optimal image. Exposure Value A number that represents a combination of a camera's shutter speed and f-number, such that all combinations that yield the same exposure have the same EV (for any fixed scene luminance). Expurge A form of censorship that involves purging anything deemed noxious or offensive from a film or other piece of material destined for publication. External Rhythm The rhythmic pattern established by the duration of the shots that make up a scene. Accessory talent not essential to a production, assuming some peripheral on-camera role.
Extreme Close Up The shot is so tight that only a detail of the subject, such as someone's eyes, can be seen. Eyeline Match A technique where the editor cuts to a shot of something that a character is looking at off-screen. F-number Numbers corresponding to the variable size of the camera's iris opening, and thus amount of light passing through the lens. The higher the number, the less light enters. F-ratio Numbers corresponding to the variable size of the camera's iris opening, and thus amount of light passing through the lens. The higher the number, the less light enters. F-stop Numbers corresponding to the variable size of the camera's iris opening, and thus amount of light passing through the lens. The higher the number, the less light enters. F-type Connector A coaxial RF connector commonly used for "over the air" terrestrial television, cable television and universally for satellite television and cable modems, usually with RG-6/U cable or, in older installations, with RG-59/U cable. F4A MPEG-4 Part 14 audio (.m4a) encrypted with the Adobe Access DRM scheme. F4B MPEG-4 Part 14 audio for audiobooks and podcasts (.m4b) encrypted with the Adobe Access DRM scheme. F4P File format and extension for Flash Video that contains media encrypted with their Adobe Access DRM scheme. Fade The visual transition between an image and a black screen. Fantasound A stereophonic sound reproduction system developed by engineers of Walt Disney Studios and RCA for Walt Disney's animated film Fantasia, the first commercial film released in stereo. Fast Cutting A film editing technique that refers to several consecutive shots of a brief duration (e.g. 3 seconds or less). Fast Motion The process of slowing the frame rate of a camera down the action appears faster during playback at normal speed. Fauxtography Digitally manipulated photograph. Alternatively: using a camera and telling your subject you’re taking a photo, but secretly taking a video! FCC Federal Communications Commission F Connector A coaxial RF connector commonly used for "over the air" terrestrial television, cable television and universally for satellite television and cable modems, usually with RG-6/U cable or, in older installations, with RG-59/U cable. FDDI Fiber Distributed Data Interface Feather A technique used in computer graphics software to smooth or blur the edges of a feature. Feedback Infinite loop of visual patterns from signal output being fed back as input; achieved by aiming live camera at receiving monitor. Feed Lines Lines of dialogue which are read outside camera range for the benefit of an 'on camera' or 'on microphone' actor or voice over artist. Ffdshow An open source unmaintained codec mainly used for decoding of video in the MPEG-4 ASP (e.g. encoded with DivX or Xvid) and H.264/MPEG-4 AVC video formats, but it supports numerous other video and audio formats as well. FFmpeg A free and open-source project consisting of a vast software suite of libraries and programs for handling video, audio, and other multimedia files and streams. FFV1 A lossless intra-frame video codec. FHA Anamorphic widescreen FHD A set of HDTV high-definition video modes characterized by 1,920 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down the screen vertically. Fiber Optics hin glass filaments within a jacket that optically transmits images or signals in the form of light around corners and over distances with extremely low losses. Fibre Channel A high-speed data transfer protocol (commonly running at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 128 gigabit per second rates) providing in-order, lossless delivery of raw block data. Field One-half of a complete television picture consisting of one complete vertical scan of the video image containing 262.5 line for NTSC and 312.5 lines for PAL. Two fields make up a complete television picture frame. Field-sequential Color System A color television system in which the primary color information is transmitted in successive images and which relies on the human vision system to fuse the successive images into a color picture. Field Dominance The choice of which field of an interlaced video signal is chosen as the point at which video edits or switches occur. Field Of View A measurement of the subject area visible to the camera. Field Rate The number of times in a second that a display hardware updates its buffer. Filament The wire coil that is heated to produce lighting in incandescent and halogen lamps, normally made from tungsten. Video footage that can be used again in other films.
File Format The size or aspect ratio of a motion picture frame. Fill Leader Film leader used to fill in the blanks in picture workprint Fill Light The light that provides a soft-edged field of light used to provide additional subject illumination to reduce harsh shadows or areas not highlighted by the key light. Film A dramatic performance recorded as a moving image, whether on film, videotape or digital media. Film-out The process of transferring images or animation from videotape or digital files to a traditional film print. Film Artifact Damage to the physical media of a film that results in a visible or auditory defect or error. Film Base A transparent substrate which acts as a support medium for the photosensitive emulsion that lies atop it. Film Chain Projectors, multiplexors and cameras, connected for the purpose of transferring film to video. Film Crew The group of people hired to work behind the camera(s) on the production of a film or video. Film Director The person who directs the making of a video production controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects and visualizes the script. Film Flub A chronological inconsistency in some arrangement, especially a juxtaposition of persons, events, objects, or customs from different periods. Film Frame One of the many still images which compose the complete moving picture. Film Grain The grain of photographic film is a signal-dependent noise, with similar statistical distribution to shot noise. Film Leader A length of film attached to the head or tail of a film to assist in threading a projector or telecine. Filmmaker A person who engages in and is responsible for, the process of making a movie or extensive video at all stages. Filmmaking The process of making a film, generally in the sense of films intended for extensive theatrical exhibition. Film Noir Usually refers to the classic black and white film noir style used in detective mysteries, typically employing hard lighting and dark, low key lighting. Film Perforations Square holes in the side of a roll of film that is used to wind it through the camera or projector's mechanism. Film Plane The area inside any camera or image taking device with a lens and film or digital sensor upon which the lens creates the focused image. Film Production The process of making a film, generally in the sense of films intended for extensive theatrical exhibition. Film Scanner A device made for scanning photographic film directly into a computer without the use of any intermediate printmaking. Film Score The original-music composition for a motion picture or television production which is generally recorded after the picture has been edited. Film Stock A term to describe a film that is used for shooting and reproduction. Filmstrip A form of still image instructional multimedia, once commonly used by educators in primary and secondary schools (K-12), overtaken at the end of the 1980s by newer and increasingly lower-cost full-motion videocassettes and later on by DVDs. Film Treatment A piece of prose, typically the step between scene cards (index cards) and the first draft of a screenplay for a motion picture, television program, or radio play. Filter A transparent material having the ability to absorb certain wavelengths of light and transmit others. Filter Graph Used in multimedia processing - for example, to capture video from a webcam. Filters take input, process it (or change the input), and then output the processed data. Firewire An interface standard that is commonly used for connecting hard drives and cameras to computers. First-person Shot A short film scene that shows what a character (the subject) is looking at (represented through the camera). Fisheye Lens An ultra-wide-angle lens that produces strong visual distortion intended to create a wide panoramic or hemispherical image. FITS Flexible Image Transport System FLAC Free Lossless Audio Codec Flag A device used on set to block light. Flange Back Distance The distance from the mounting flange (the interlocking metal rings on the camera and the rear of the lens) to the film or image sensor plane. Flange Focal Depth The distance from the mounting flange (the interlocking metal rings on the camera and the rear of the lens) to the film or image sensor plane. Flange Focal Distance The distance from the mounting flange (the interlocking metal rings on the camera and the rear of the lens) to the film or image sensor plane. Flange Focal Length The distance from the mounting flange (the interlocking metal rings on the camera and the rear of the lens) to the film or image sensor plane. Flare Bright flashes and/or extreme contrast reduction evident in picture, caused by excessive light beaming into a camera's lens and reflecting off its internal glass elements Flashback An interjected scene that takes the narrative back in time from the current point in the story. Flash Cut A very quick shot that can have an almost subliminal effect. These shots can sometimes be as short as one frame. Flashforward A scene that temporarily takes the narrative forward in time from the current point of the story in literature, film, television and other media. Flash Video A container file format used to deliver digital video content (e.g., TV shows, movies, etc.) over the Internet using Adobe Flash Player version 6 and newer. Flat A term used to describe a film that was not shot with an anamorphic lens. Flat-panel Display An electronic viewing device used to enable people to see content (still images, moving images, text, or other visual material) in a range of entertainment, consumer electronics, personal computer, and mobile devices, and many types of medical, transportation and industrial equipment. Flat Lighting Illumination characterized by even, diffused light without shadows, highlights, or contrast. Flex File A computer-generated file that establishes the relationship between timecode, keykode and often audio timecode. Flexible Image Transport System An open standard defining a digital file format useful for storage, transmission and processing of data: formatted as multi-dimensional arrays (for example a 2D image), or tables. Flicker The alternation of light and dark which can be visually perceived. Flip To position an image upside-down. Flip-over An optical effect in which the picture is shown reversed from left to right. Float Periodic vertical movement of the image which occurs as a result of mechanical faults in the camera, printer, or projector. Flood The widest beam spread on a lensed light. Floodlight Radiates a diffused, scattered blanket of light with soft, indistinct shadow Flop To position an image back-to-front so that the left side is now positioned on the right and vice versa. Flop-over An optical effect in which the picture is shown reversed from left to right. Flow Motion A visual effect of detaching the time and space of a camera from those of its visible subject. Fluid Head Tripod mount type containing viscous fluid which lubricates moving parts, dampens friction. Design facilitates smooth camera moves, alleviates jerkiness. Fluorescent Lamp A low-pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to produce visible light. Flutter The rapid variation of amplitude, phase, or frequency that causes the video to move back and forth very rapidly. Flux An amount of light which is present as measured in lumens. FLV File format and extension for Flash Video that contain material encoded with codecs following the Sorenson Spark or VP6 video compression formats. Flying Erase Heads Facilitates smooth, seamless edits whenever the camcorder recording begins. Without a flying erase head, a video "glitch" may occur at scene transitions. The erase head is mounted on the spinning (flying) video head drum. Foamcore Polystyrene which is sandwiched between paper. Focal Length A measure of the distance, in millimeters, between the optical centre of the lens and the camera’s sensor. Focal Length Multiplier The ratio of the dimensions of a camera's imaging area compared to a reference format -- typically: the 35 mm film format. Focal Ratio Numbers corresponding to the variable size of the camera's iris opening, and thus amount of light passing through the lens. The higher the number, the less light enters. Focus The area on which compositional elements converge. Typically refers to the sharpest elements in the image. Focus Pull Shifting focus between subjects in the background and foreground so a viewer’s attention moves from subject to subject as the focus shifts. Foley The art of reproducing and creating sounds for film. Foley Artist A person who records sound effects using the foley process. Foley Walker A person who records sound effects using the foley process. Follow Focus A control mechanism that allows you to easily make changes on the focus ring of your camera lens. Follow Shot A specific camera angle in which the subject being filmed is seemingly pursued by the camera, for example by a Steadicam. A length of film attached to the head or tail of a film to assist in threading a projector or telecine.
Foot-candle Measurement unit for illuminance, or lumens per unit of area. One foot-candle is equivalent to one lumen per square foot Main footage used in production. Contrast with B-roll.
A series of numbers with key lettering printed along the edge of a 35 mm negative at intervals of one foot (16 frames or 64 perforations) and on a 16 mm negative at intervals of six inches (twenty frames).
Forced Perspective A technique that employs optical illusion to make an object appear farther away, closer, larger or smaller than it actually is. Foreshadowing In a script, the area where a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story. Format The size or aspect ratio of a motion picture frame. Format Factor The ratio of the dimensions of a camera's imaging area compared to a reference format -- typically: the 35 mm film format. Forward Error Correction An error correction technique that uses redundant data to avoid relying on the sender retransmitting faulty data. The use of footage as a found object, appropriated for use in collage films, documentary films, mockumentary films and other works.
Fourth Wall The imaginary plane that separates the characters and action of the film from the viewing audience. FPD-Link The original high-speed digital video interface created in 1996 by National Semiconductor (now within Texas Instruments). Fragmentation A phenomenon in which storage space is used inefficiently, reducing capacity or performance and often both. Frame One of the many still images which compose the complete moving picture. Frame Buffer Memory used to store a complete frame of video. Frame Cut An edit in which the source and record tapes pick up exactly where they left off. Frame Grabber High-speed digitizer capable of capturing frames at the rate necessary to create real-time motion. Frame Rate A measure of the number of frames displayed per second in a video. Framestore Memory used to store a complete frame of video. Frame Synchronization A digital electronic device which synchronizes two or more video signals. The frame synchronizer uses one of its inputs as a reference and genlocks the other video signals to the reference's sync and color burst signals. Framing Act of composing a shot in a camcorder’s viewfinder for desired content, angle and field of view. Framing Device A narrative technique that uses a recurrent element at the beginning and the end of the story. Fraunhofer FDK AAC An open-source software library for encoding and decoding Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) format audio, developed by Fraunhofer IIS, and included as part of Android. Free Lossless Audio Codec An audio coding format for lossless compression of digital audio, and is also the name of the free software project producing the FLAC tools, the reference software package that includes a codec implementation. Free Viewpoint Television A system for viewing natural video, allowing the user to interactively control the viewpoint and generate new views of a dynamic scene from any 3D position. Freeze An optical printing effect in which a single frame image is repeated in order to appear stationary when it is projected. Freeze Frame An optical printing effect in which a single frame image is repeated in order to appear stationary when it is projected. Frequency The number of times a signal vibrates each second as expressed in cycles per second (cps) or Hertz (Hz). Frequency Modulation Frequency modulation is a process used for radio (FM broadcast) and television audio transmission and videotape recording. Frequency Response A measure of the effectiveness with which a circuit, device, or system processes and transmits signals fed into it, as a function of the signal frequency. Fresnel Lens A type of lens placed in front of lamps in order to focus the light given off into a controllable beam. Front Projection Effect An in-camera visual effects process in film production for combining foreground performance with pre-filmed background footage. Frosted Lens A white lens that is translucent but not transparent, which diffuses the output of a lamp. Frozen Moment A visual effect of detaching the time and space of a camera from those of its visible subject. FSC Field-sequential color system FTV Free viewpoint television Fujifilm X-mount A type of interchangeable lens mount designed by Fujifilm for use in those cameras in their X-series line that have interchangeable-lenses. Full Common Intermediate Format A standardized format for the picture resolution, frame rate, color space, and color subsampling of digital video sequences used in video teleconferencing systems. Full Field A complete frame of video that is comprised of two fields. Full Frame The process of formatting a wide-screen film onto video by selecting the area of the film frame to show in order to accommodate the different aspect ratios of wide-screen film and television. Full HD A set of HDTV high-definition video modes characterized by 1,920 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down the screen vertically. Full Height Anamorphic A process by which a comparatively wide widescreen image is horizontally compressed to fit into a storage medium with a narrower aspect ratio. Full Raster A full frame image that has not been squeezed to preserve bandwidth. The opposite of thin raster. Full Screen A video which has been altered to the 4:3 (or 1.33:1) aspect ratio of the old standard television screen. Fushia A red-purple color which is the complementary color of green. FWVGA A resolution of 854 × 480 pixels. G-clamp A clamp used to attach a larger piece of hardware, such as a lighting instrument, a speaker, or a dimmer, to a pipe or batten. Gaffer The chief lighting technician for a production who is in charge of the electrical department. Gaffer Tape A type of non-damaging, super durable tape used on film sets, most often by the gaffer and grip department. Gain A measurement of the ratio between two quantities. In audio and video, gain refers to a measure of the increase in loudness, level or volume relative to the input signal. Game Camera A camera placed by a photographer in areas where the photographer generally cannot be at the camera to snap the shutter. Gamma The degree of contrast in a negative or print. Gamma Correction A measure of the correction applied to the video display to compensate for the input signal. Gamut The entire range of colors capable of being displayed or recorded by the current input / ouput device or file format. Garbage Matte A rough matte used to exclude parts of an image that another process, such as bluescreen, would not remove. Gate The aperture assembly at which the film is exposed in a camera, printer, or projector. Gaussian Noise A random variation of brightness or color information in images. Gel A transparent colored material that is used in theater, event production, photography, videography and cinematography to color light and for color correction. Generation The number of duplication steps between an original recording and a given copy. A second generation duplicate is a copy of the original master and a third-generation duplicate is a copy of a copy of the original master, etc. Generation Loss When an analog master videotape is duplicated, the second-generation copy is usually inferior in some way to the master. Genlock A device which enables a composite display (usually a TV) to combine two signals simultaneously by locking one while processing the other. Acronymn for "generator locking device." Genre A type of film for which the audience has a set of particular expectations based on cultural conventions. Ghosting A copy of the transmitted image super-imposed with an offset on top of the main image. GIF Graphics interchange format Gigabit Video Interface A digital video serial interface developed by Sony in 1996 for high-quality uncompressed video transmission from digital video hardware. Gigabyte A unit for measuring computer memory capacity, equivalent to 1,000 megabytes. GigE Vision An interface standard introduced in 2006 for high-performance industrial cameras. Glare Visual impairment caused by a bright source of light, directly visible or reflected by a surface. GNOME Videos A media player (audio and video) for the GNOME computer desktop environment. Gobo A stencil or template placed inside or in front of a light source to control the shape of the emitted light. Godspot An effect used in stage lighting for the theatre. Gofer Film or video production assistant often sent to "Go for" coffee or other essentials. Go Motion A variation of stop motion animation which incorporates motion blur into each frame involving motion. Gopher Film or video production assistant often sent to "Go for" coffee or other essentials. Grain The random optical texture of processed photographic film due to the presence of small particles of a metallic silver, or dye clouds, developed from silver halide that have received enough photons. Grand Alliance The consortium created in 1993 at the behest of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop the American digital television (SDTV, EDTV) and HDTV specification, with the aim of pooling the best work from different companies. Graphic Match A cut made on action or movement between two shots in which the action has been overlapped either by repetition of the action or by the use of more than one camera. Graphics Coordinator An individual who works, usually on a television show, as a producer of on-air still and motion graphics. Grayscale An image composed exclusively of shades of gray to represent the intensity (light.) Green Screen Chroma key compositing is a technique used for layering two images or video streams together based on matching color hues. Grip Production crew stagehand responsible for handling equipment, props, and scenery before, during, and after production. Gross Bit Rate The aggregate rate at which data pass a point in the transmission path of a data transmission system. Group Delay A phenomenon involving timing differences between video signal components. For example, a long cable run may introduce a substantial delay between the transmission of the color and brightness video information resulting in shadows. Guerrilla People or production of an effective video on a shoestring budget. GVIF Gigabit Video Interface H.120 The first digital video compression standard, developed by COST 211 and published by the CCITT (now the ITU-T) in 1984, with a revision in 1988 that included contributions proposed by other organizations. H.261 An ITU-T video compression standard first ratified in November 1988. H.262 A standard for "the generic coding of moving pictures and associated audio information". H.263 A video compression standard originally designed as a low-bit-rate compressed format for videoconferencing. H.264 The name of the most common video compression standard for high-definition digital video for resolutions up to 8K. Also known as MPEG-4 AVC and MPEG-4 Part 10. H.265 A video compression standard, designed as a successor to the widely used Advanced Video Coding (AVC, H.264, or MPEG-4 Part 10). H.320 A umbrella Recommendation by the ITU-T for running Multimedia (Audio/Video/Data) over ISDN based networks. Hair Light Light placed behind the subject to create a glamorous halo effect on the hair or a rugged-looking highlight on the cheek. Helps separate the subject from the background. Half-size VGA A resolution of 480 × 320 pixels (3:2 aspect ratio), 480 × 360 pixels (4:3 aspect ratio), 480 × 272 (≈16:9 aspect ratio), or 640 × 240 pixels (8:3 aspect ratio). Halogen Lamp Tungsten-Halogen lights or lighting units. The name is derived from the material which encloses the lighting element. Handle Extra material beyond the in and out points to allow a clip to be extended and provide additional material for transitions. Hanging Miniature An in-camera special effect similar to a matte shot where a model, rather than a painting, is placed in foreground and the action takes place in the background. Hard And Soft Light Different types of lighting that are commonly used in photography and filmmaking. Hard Disk Common digital storage component in a computer. Hard Disk Recorder A system that uses a high-capacity hard disk to record digital audio or video. Hard Light Type of lighting that creates brilliant highlights and sharp shadows. Hardware Acceleration The use of computer hardware specially made to perform some functions more efficiently than is possible in software running on a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU). Harmonic Distortion When any signal is passed through an electronic circuit, the signal may be changed in many ways. In video, the image may become blurred, noisy or contain shadows. In audio, odd harmonics (third, fifth, etc.) produce harsh and unpleasant sounding audio. HD+ A resolution of 1600 × 900 pixels. HD Audio A specification for the audio sub-system of personal computers. HDBaseT A consumer electronic (CE) and commercial connectivity standard for transmission of uncompressed high-definition video (HD), audio, power, home networking, Ethernet, USB, and some control signals, over a common category cable (Cat5e or above) using the same 8P8C modular connectors used by Ethernet. HDCAM A high-definition video digital recording videocassette version of digital Betacam. HDCAM SR A standard for HDCAM that uses a higher particle density tape and is capable of recording in 10 bits 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 RGB with a video bit rate of 440 Mbit/s, and a total data rate of approximately 600 Mbit/s. HDCP High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection HD DVD High Definition Digital Versatile Disc HDi Microsoft's implementation of the Advanced Content interactivity layer in HD DVD. It is used in the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on as well as stand-alone HD DVD players. HDMI High-Definition Media Interface HD Ready A progressive HDTV signal format with 720 horizontal lines and an aspect ratio (AR) of 16:9, normally known as widescreen HDTV (1.78:1). HDRI High-dynamic-range imaging HDTV High-definition television HDV A format for recording of high-definition video on DV cassette tape. Head A length of film attached to the head or tail of a film to assist in threading a projector or telecine. Head-on Shot When film’s action moves directly at the camera. Head Leader A length of film attached to the head or tail of a film to assist in threading a projector or telecine. Headroom Space between the top of a subject’s head and a monitor’s upper-screen edge. Headset A headset combines a headphone with a microphone. Headsets are made with either a single-earpiece (mono) or a double-earpiece (mono to both ears or stereo). Headsets provide the equivalent functionality of a telephone handset but with handsfree operation. Headshot A modern (usually digital) portrait in which the focus is on the person. Heart Wipe A wipe that takes the shape of a growing or shrinking heart, and is used to impart a sense of "love" or "friendship". Heatsink A passive heat exchanger that transfers the heat generated by an electronic or a mechanical device to a fluid medium, often air or a liquid coolant, where it is dissipated away from the device, thereby allowing regulation of the device's temperature at optimal levels. Helical Scan A method of recording video information diagonally on a tape, used in home and professional VCRs. HEP High-efficiency plasma Hertz The unit of measurement for the number of cycles per second. 1Hz = 1 cycle per second. HEVC High Efficiency Video Coding Hi-8 An improved version of the 8mm tape format capable of recording better picture resolution (definition). Hi-con Print A film print with the maximum contrast between light and dark elements. Hi8 An improved version of the 8mm tape format capable of recording better picture resolution (definition). HID High-intensity discharge lamp High-angle Shot A cinematic technique where the camera looks down on the subject from a high angle and the point of focus often gets "swallowed up". High-concept A type of artistic work that can be easily pitched with a succinctly stated premise. High-definition A general term for a video signal with a significantly higher resolution than standard definition. High-definition Television Refers to any or all of television system formats (analog or digital) that can display at a higher resolution than those of old standards. High-dynamic-range Imaging A technique used in photographic imaging and films to reproduce a greater dynamic range of luminosity than what is possible with standard digital imaging or photographic techniques. High-efficiency Plasma An emerging lighting technology that uses radiofrequency to stimulate a contained gas and create a small but very bright ball of plasma. High-intensity Discharge Lamp A type of electrical gas-discharge lamp which produces light by means of an electric arc between tungsten electrodes housed inside a translucent or transparent fused quartz or fused alumina arc tube. High-key Lighting A style of lighting for film, television, or photography that aims to reduce the lighting ratio present in the scene. High-Pass Filter An electronic filter used in various audio circuits to attenuate all frequencies below a chosen frequency. High-shelf Filter An audio filter that allows allows frequencies above a certain threshold to pass through while reducing lower ones. High Definition Digital Versatile Disc An obsolete high-density optical disc format for storing data and playback of high-definition video. Supported principally by Toshiba, HD DVD was envisioned to be the successor to the standard DVD format. High Dynamic Range The compositing of two images, one that properly exposes the highlights, and another that properly exposes the dark areas. When composited together, you get a properly exposed image. High Efficiency Video Coding A video compression standard, designed as a successor to the widely used Advanced Video Coding (AVC, H.264, or MPEG-4 Part 10). High Fidelity Most commonly used to refer to the high-quality audio tracks recorded by many VCRs. Highlighting Using beams of light for the purposes of illuminating particular aspects of a subject. Hip Hop Montage A subset of fast cutting used in a film to portray a complex action through a rapid series of simple actions in fast motion, accompanied by sound effects. HIPPI High Performance Parallel Interface Hiss A random signal having equal intensity at different frequencies, giving it a constant power spectral density. Hitchcock Shot An in-camera effect that requires focusing on a single point while zooming in (or out) and dollying out (or in). HMI Hydrargyrum Medium-arc Iodide Hook The nucleus of both a film and its screenplay. Horizontal Blanking Interval The time between the end of one scanning line and the beginning of the next. The vertical blanking interval is the time between the end of one video field* and the beginning of the next. Horizontal Resolution Specification denoting the amount of discernable detail across a screen's width. Measured in lines or dots per inch, the higher the number the better the picture quality. Horizontal Scan Rate Horizontal scan rate, or horizontal frequency, usually expressed in kilohertz, is the frequency at which a CRT moves the electron beam from the left side of the display to the right and back, and therefore describes the number of horizontal lines displayed per second. Hot Shoe A mounting point at the top of some cameras that allow you to attach a flash unit, microphones or other accessories. House Sync A composite color video signal comprised of sync, color burst and black video. HQVGA A resolution of 240 × 160 or 160 × 240 pixels. HSL/HSV Acronymns for Hue, Saturation, Lightness (HSL) and Hue, Saturation, Value (HSV) . HSL and HSV are color space naming conventions that allow for selecting colors more intuitively than by entering RGB or CMYK numbers. HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol Hue The shade or tint of a color. Huffman Coding A particular type of optimal prefix code that is commonly used for lossless data compression. HuffYUV A lossless video codec created by Ben Rudiak-Gould which is meant to replace uncompressed YCbCr as a video capture format. Hum A low, steady sound caused by electrical interference. HVGA A resolution of 480 × 320 pixels (3:2 aspect ratio), 480 × 360 pixels (4:3 aspect ratio), 480 × 272 (≈16:9 aspect ratio), or 640 × 240 pixels (8:3 aspect ratio). Hybrid Fiber-coaxial A telecommunications industry term for a broadband network that combines optical fiber and coaxial cable. Hydrargyrum Medium-arc Iodide Device that emits light via pressurized mercury vapor and metal halides. Ideal for imitating daylight, they keep relatively cool and have a very high light output. HMI light has a color temperature of around 5600K. Hydrargyrum Medium-arc Iodide Lamp The trademark name of Osram's brand of metal-halide gas discharge medium arc-length lamp, made specifically for film and entertainment applications. Hyperzoom A type of photographic zoom lens with unconventionally large focal length factors, typically ranging from wide-angle to extreme long lens focal lengths in one lens. I-frame An I‑frame (Intra-coded picture) is a complete image, like a JPG or BMP image file. I‑frames are the least compressible but don't require other video frames to decode. I.LINK An interface standard that is commonly used for connecting hard drives and cameras to computers. I2S An electrical serial bus interface standard used for connecting digital audio devices together. IBM 8514 An IBM graphics computer display standard supporting a display resolution of 1024x768 pixels with 256 colors at 43.5 Hz (interlaced; 87 fields per second), or 640x480 at 60 Hz (non-interlaced). 8514 usually refers to the display controller hardware (such as the 8514/A display adapter.) Ident Bumper A brief announcement, usually two to fifteen seconds in length that can contain a voice over, placed between a pause in the program and its commercial break, and vice versa. IEC International Electrotechnical Commission IEC 60958 Type I A standard for the exchange of digital audio signals between professional audio devices. Commonly known as S/PDIF. IEC 60958 Type II A type of digital audio interconnect used in consumer audio equipment to output audio over reasonably short distances. IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE 802.1AS A protocol used to synchronize clocks throughout a computer network. IEEE 802.1Qat An enhancement to Ethernet that implements admission control. IEEE 802.3 A type of high-speed network for interconnecting computing devices. IEEE 1394 An interface standard that is commonly used for connecting hard drives and cameras to computers. IES Illuminating Engineering Society of North America IHD Microsoft's implementation of the Advanced Content interactivity layer in HD DVD. It is used in the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on as well as stand-alone HD DVD players. IHDA Intel High Definition Audio Illegal Colors Colors present in a video signal that are not supported by the current video playback system. IMA Interactive Multimedia Association Image Sensor A sensor that detects and conveys information used to make an image. It does so by converting the variable attenuation of light waves (as they pass through or reflect off objects) into signals, small bursts of current that convey the information. Image Stabilization A camcorder feature which takes out minor picture shakiness, either optically or electronically. Impedance The measure of the opposition that a circuit presents to a current when a voltage is applied. The term complex impedance may be used interchangeably. Impedance Matching A video signal occupies a wide spectrum of frequencies, from nearly DC (0 Hz) to 6 MHz. If the output impedance of either the video source, cable or input impedance of the receiving equipment are not properly matched, a series of problems may arise. IMTC International Multimedia Telecommunications Consortium In-camera Editing A technique where, instead of editing the shots in a film into the sequence after shooting, the director or cinematographer instead shoots the sequences in strict order. In-camera Effect Any special effect in a video or movie that is created solely by using techniques in and on the camera and/or its parts. Inbetweening The process of generating intermediate frames between two images, called key frames, to give the appearance that the first image evolves smoothly into the second image. Incident Light Light which emanates indirectly from a light source, measured from the object it strikes to the source. Incoming Scene The second scene to appear in a dissolve or wipe effect. Indeo A family of audio and video formats and codecs first released in 1992 and designed for real-time video playback on desktop CPUs. Inductance The resistance of a coil of wire to rapidly fluctuating currents which increases with frequency. Ingress Protection Code A two-digit code that indicates the resistance of a lighting fixture to solid particles and liquids, where higher digits indicate enhanced protection. In Point The timecode position at which a clip begins. Input/output The communication between an information processing system, such as a computer, and the outside world, possibly a human or another information processing system. Insert A shot of part of a scene as filmed from a different angle and/or focal length from the master shot. Insert Editing An interruption of the flow of action created by the insertion of a single shot in the sequence during editing. Instant Replay A video reproduction of something that recently occurred which was both shot and broadcast live. Institute Of Electrical And Electronics Engineers A professional association for electronic engineering and electrical engineering (and associated disciplines) with its corporate office in New York City and its operations center in Piscataway, New Jersey. Integrated Services Digital Network A set of communication standards for simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video, data, and other network services over the traditional circuits of the public switched telephone network. Intellectual Property Rights Rights including patents, copyright, industrial design rights, trademarks, plant variety rights, trade dress, geographical indications, and in some jurisdictions trade secrets. Intent In a script, the implied objective or goal of a character.
Inter-frame A frame in a video compression stream is expressed in terms of one or more neighboring frames. Inter-IC Sound An electrical serial bus interface standard used for connecting digital audio devices together. Interactive Film A video game that presents its gameplay in a cinematic, scripted manner, often through the use of a full-motion video of either animated or live-action footage. Interactive Television A form of media convergence, adding data services to traditional television technology. Intercutting An editing technique used to establish actions occurring at the same time and (usually) in the same place. Interference A phenomenon in which two waves superpose to form a resultant wave of greater, lower, or the same amplitude. Interlaced A technique for doubling the perceived frame rate of a video display. From a viewer perspective, Interlaced video enhances motion perception and reduces flicker. Internal Rhythm Rhythm created by whatever appears or occurs within the shot of a moving picture. International Electrotechnical Commission An international standards organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies – collectively known as "electrotechnology". Internet Video The general field that deals with the transmission of video over the Internet. Interpolation A form of video processing in which intermediate animation frames are generated between existing ones by means of interpolation, in an attempt to make animation more fluid and to compensate for display motion blur. Interpositive An orange-based motion picture film with a positive image made from the edited camera negative. Intertitle Titles within the main body of a moving image, such as dialogue, continuity, and informational titles. Intertitles are mainly found in silent films. Into Frame A person or object moving into the picture without the camera moving. Intra-frame Video coding within a frame of a video signal. Invisible Cut A transition that attempts to join two shots with similar frames together. Invisible Wipe A wipe where a camera follows a person into another room by tracking parallel to the actor. IP Code A two-digit code that indicates the resistance of a lighting fixture to solid particles and liquids, where higher digits indicate enhanced protection. IP Rating A two-digit code that indicates the resistance of a lighting fixture to solid particles and liquids, where higher digits indicate enhanced protection. IPTV Internet Protocol television Iris Video camera's diaphragm lens opening or aperture regulates the amount of light entering the camera. Size measured in f-stops. Iris-in Starting a scene with an opening circle that comes in from the edges of the screen. Iris-out Ending a scene with a closing circle that comes in from the edges of the screen. Iris Shot A technique frequently used in silent film in which a black circle closes to end a scene. Iris Wipe The wipe shape can also be circular through the use of the camera's iris. Irradiance The radiant flux (power) received by a surface per unit area. ISDB Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network Iskiography Computerized video processing technique, used to depict, in a single image, the tracks of bird flight paths recorded in numerous video frames. ISO A camera setting in the digital cameras that changes how sensitive the sensor is to light. ISO/IEC 13522-5 Part of a set of international standards relating to the presentation of multimedia information, standardised by the Multimedia and Hypermedia Experts Group (MHEG). ITU International Telecommunication Union ITU-R ITU Radiocommunication Sector ITU-T ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector ITV Interactive television I‑frames In the field of video compression, a video frame is compressed using different algorithms with different advantages and disadvantages, centered mainly around the amount of data compression. J-cut A type of cut in which the sound of the next scene precedes the picture. Jack Any female socket or receptacle, usually on the backside of video and audio equipment, that accepts plug for a circuit connection. Jaggies The informal name for artifacts in raster images, most frequently from aliasing, which in turn is often caused by non-linear mixing effects producing high-frequency components, or missing or poor anti-aliasing filtering prior to sampling. Jam Sync Process of synchronizing a secondary time code generator with a selected master time code. Japanimation Computer animation style originating from Japan. JETDS Joint Electronics Type Designation System Jib A boom device with a camera on one end, and a counterweight and camera controls on the other. Jib Arm A boom device with a camera on one end, and a counterweight and camera controls on the other. Jingle A short song or tune used in advertising and for other commercial uses. Jitter The displacement of random horizontal lines in video frames. Jitter is the result of a loss of data between devices due to interference, cross-talk and other network disruptions. Jog Manual control that facilitates viewing and editing precision and convenience Joint A stereo microphone technique where two microphones are incorporated into a special configuration for recording. JPEG JPEG is a digital compression standard for still video images that allows the image to occupy less memory or disk space. Like the MPEG standard, it includes options for trading off between storage space and image quality. JPEG Extended Range A still-image compression standard and file format for continuous tone photographic images, based on technology originally developed and patented by Microsoft under the name HD Photo (formerly Windows Media Photo). Jump Cut An abrupt transition without continuity. Kell Factor A parameter used to limit the bandwidth of a sampled image signal to avoid the appearance of beat frequency patterns when displaying the image in a discrete display device, usually taken to be 0.7. Kelvin The unit of measurement used for color temperatures. Kerning The process of adjusting the spacing between characters in a proportional font, usually to achieve a visually pleasing result. KeyCode An Eastman Kodak Company advancement on edge numbers, which are letters, numbers, and symbols placed at regular intervals along the edge of 35 mm and 16 mm film to allow for frame-by-frame specific identification. Key Frame A frame that contains a record of specific settings. Key Grip The person that supervises all grip (lighting and rigging) crews and reports to the director of photography. Keying The combining of visual elements from separate sources into single images, often to create the illusion that all those elements are parts of the same scene. Keykode An Eastman Kodak Company advancement on edge numbers, which are letters, numbers, and symbols placed at regular intervals along the edge of 35 mm and 16 mm film to allow for frame-by-frame specific identification. Key Numbers A series of numbers with key lettering printed along the edge of a 35 mm negative at intervals of one foot (16 frames or 64 perforations) and on a 16 mm negative at intervals of six inches (twenty frames). Keystone Effect Perspective distortion from a flat object being shot by a camera at other than a perpendicular angle. Kick An object with a shine or reflection on it from another object. Kicker Light placed behind the subject to create a glamorous halo effect on the hair or a rugged-looking highlight on the cheek. Helps separate the subject from the background. Kilohertz The unit of measurement for the number of cycles per second. 1Hz = 1 cycle per second. Kilowatt Measurement unit for electric power, equivalent to 1000 watts. Kine A method of making a film copy of a television program in the days before the existence of Video Recorders. Kinemacolor The first successful colour motion picture process, used commercially from 1908 to 1914. Kinescope A method of making a film copy of a television program in the days before the existence of Video Recorders. Kiss A light that gently brushes a subject. Kuleshov Effect A film editing (montage) effect demonstrated by Soviet filmmaker Lev Kuleshov in the 1910s and 1920s. It is a mental phenomenon by which viewers derive more meaning from the interaction of two sequential shots than from a single shot in isolation. L-cut A type of cut in which the picture changes but the audio continues. Lag Camera pickup's retention of an image after the camera has been moved, most common under low light levels. Lagarith An open-source lossless video codec written by Ben Greenwood. LANC Logic Application Control Bus System Lap Dissolve Transitioning between two scenes by fading out of the first as the next one becomes clearer. LaserDisc A laser optical (reflective) video recording system that uses an analog technique called PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to represent video information on a grooveless, smooth, round plastic disc. Latency A time interval between the stimulation and response, or, from a more general point of view, a time delay between the cause and the effect of some physical change in the system being observed. Latitude The extent to which a light-sensitive material can be overexposed or underexposed and still achieve an acceptable result. Layback Transfer of the finished audio mix back onto the video edit master. Layoff Transfer of audio and time code from the video edit master to an audio tape. Layover Transfer of audio onto multitrack tape or hard disk. Layup Transfer of audio onto multitrack tape or hard disk. LCD Liquid-crystal display LCOS Liquid crystal on silicon Leader A length of nonimage film which is used for threading, identification, or fill-in purposes. Leading The vertical spacing of textual characters. Lead Room The distance between the subject and the edge of the frame in the direction the subject is looking. Lean A lean-in followed by a lean-out. Lean-In When the juxtaposition of shots in a sequence, usually in a scene of dialogue, starts with medium or long shots, for example, and ends with close-ups. Lean-Out The opposite of a lean-in, moving from close-ups out to longer shots. Least Significant Bit The bit position in a binary integer giving the units value, that is, determining whether the number is even or odd. LED-backlit LCD A flat panel display that uses LED backlighting instead of traditional cold cathode fluorescent (CCFL) backlighting. LED Array A group of LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board, capable of producing a lighting output. LED Driver In lighting, a piece of electronic equipment that regulates and transforms the main supply voltage into a voltage appropriate for LED lighting. Legend Information superimposed on an image or blank screen. Leko An ellipsoidal reflector spot light. Usually used for theatrical purposes. Lekolite A brand of ellipsoidal reflector spotlight (ERS) used in stage lighting which refers to the half-ellipsoidal dome reflector within which the instrument's lamp is housed. Lens The transparent material (usually glass) through which the light beam enters the camera and is refracted onto the body and sensor of the camera. Lens Speed The aperture of a camera lens. The lower the f/ (aperture ratio) value, the faster the lens. Letterboxing The result of converting a film from widescreen aspect ratio to standard. Letterboxing creates black areas above and below the original clip to make up for missing content. LIB Lithium ion batteries Libavcodec A free and open-source library of codecs for encoding and decoding video and audio data. Library Shot Video footage that can be used again in other films. Libvpx Free software video codec library from Google and the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia). Light The spectrum visible to the human eye. Light-field Camera A camera that captures information about the light field emanating from a scene. Light Diffuser Material that alters the quality of light passing through in order to produce lighting with less noticeable shadows. Lighting Clamp A clamp used to attach a larger piece of hardware, such as a lighting instrument, a speaker, or a dimmer, to a pipe or batten. Light Loss Factor A factor used to account for the degradation in luminous output over time. Lightning A proprietary computer bus and power connector created and designed by Apple Inc. Line 21 Captions The standard for closed captioning analog television broadcasts in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Linear Narrative In scriptwriting, linear narrative is the most common form of narration, where events are largely portrayed in chronological order, that is: telling the events in the order in which they occurred. Linear Timecode An encoding of SMPTE timecode data in an audio signal, as defined in SMPTE 12M specification. Line Doubler A device or algorithm used to deinterlace video signals prior to display on a progressive scan display. Line Producer A type of film producer who is the key manager during daily operations of a feature film, advertisement film, television film, or an episode of a TV program. Lip Sync The relationship of sound ad picture that exists when the movements of speech are perceived to coincide with the sounds of speech. Liquid-crystal Display A flat-panel display or other electronically modulated optical device that uses the light-modulating properties of liquid crystals. Liquid Crystal On Silicon A projection technology that uses miniaturized reflective active-matrix liquid-crystal display using a liquid crystal layer on top of a silicon backplane. LiVES A free video editing software and VJ tool, released under the GNU General Public License version 3 or later. Live Streaming Online streaming media simultaneously recorded and broadcast in real-time. Location Any place filming occurs except a studio. Location Manager A member of the film crew responsible for finding and securing locations to be used for the production to complete its work. Locked-down Shot Filming a scene while the camera is fixed to keep the image motionless. Log A record of start and end timecode, reel numbers, scene descriptions and other information for a specified clip. Log Line A brief (usually one-sentence) summary of a film that states the central conflict of the story and provides both a synopsis and an emotional hook to stimulate interest. Long Portrait Takes portraiture photography and transfers it to video form, revealing a subject’s subtle expressions, mannerisms, and gestures. Long Shot Camera view of a subject or scene from a distance, showing a broad perspective. Look Room The distance between the subject and the edge of the frame in the direction the subject is looking. Lookup Table A table of numbers that apply a color transform to an image. Looping The process of re-recording dialog in the studio in synchronization with the picture. Lossless A compression scheme that results in no loss of data from the file when it is decompressed. Lossy A compression scheme that discards data in order to lower file sizes. Low-angle Shot In cinematography, a low-angle shot, is a shot from a camera angle positioned low on the vertical axis, anywhere below the eye line, looking up. Low-key Lighting A high contrast lighting style with a lot of shadows and large areas of darkness. Low-pressure Sodium A subtype of HID lighting where excited sodium vapor is the source of light. Low-shelf Filter A low-shelf filter passes all frequencies, but increases or reduces frequencies below the shelf frequency by specified amount. Lower Third A partial overlay of a video stream that combines text and graphic elements to provide the viewer with contextual information. Lowkey A high contrast lighting style with a lot of shadows and large areas of darkness. Lowpass Filter A filter that attenuates frequencies above a specified frequency and allows those below that point to pass. LSB Least significant bit Luma The achromatic (black and white) portion of the image. Lumen A measurement of light emitted in a unit solid angle by a uniform point source of one candle intensity. Lumen Method A simplified method to calculate the light level in a room. Lumi Masking A technique used by video compression software, which reduces quality in very bright or very dark areas of the picture, as quality loss in these areas is less likely to be visible. Luminance A measurement of the luminous intensity per unit area of light travelling in a given direction. Luminance Noise Image noise where only the brightness of a colored pixel is affected. Luminous Flux Total output emitted by a light source, measured in lumens. Luminous Power Total output emitted by a light source, measured in lumens. Lux 1 lux = 1 lumen per square meter. M/S A stereo microphone technique where two microphones are incorporated into a special configuration for recording. M2TS A container file format used for multiplexing audio, video and other streams. M3U Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer 3 Uniform Resource Locator M4V A video container format developed by Apple and is very similar to the MP4 format. Macroblock A processing unit in image and video compression formats based on linear block transforms, typically the discrete cosine transform (DCT). Macro Lens A camera lens that uses a long barrel for close focusing. MADI Multichannel Audio Digital Interface Mag Dubber A device for the recording and playback of film sound that is recorded on magnetic film. Magenta A red-purple color which is the complementary color of green. Magnetic Film A medium for magnetic recording, made of a thin, magnetizable coating on a long, narrow strip of plastic film. Magnetic Tape A medium for magnetic recording, made of a thin, magnetizable coating on a long, narrow strip of plastic film. Magnification Ratio Range of a lens' focal length, from most "zoomed in" field of view to most "zoomed out." Main Profile At Main Level Main Profile at Main Level covers broadcast television formats up to 720 pixels x 576 lines and 30 fps so includes 720 x 486 at 30 fps and 720 x 576 at 25 fps. Masking A phenomenon whereby one or more sound "trick" the ear into not hearing other, weaker, sound that are also present. Master Originally recorded videotape footage; "edited master" implies an original copy of the tape in its edited form. Duplications constitute generational differences. Master Shot A film recording of an entire dramatized scene, start to finish, from a camera angle that keeps all the players in view. Match Cut A cut made on action or movement between two shots in which the action has been overlapped either by repetition of the action or by the use of more than one camera. Match Dissolve A transition between two scenes where the first merges imperceptibly into the second. Match Frame Edit An edit in which the source and record tapes pick up exactly where they left off. Matching Ambient Sound A soundtrack made of natural or otherwise atmospheric noise added to a scene to create a realistic aural environment. Matching On Action The process of aligning or overlapping the shots of a film sequence in order to achieve a smooth transition from the action in one shot to the action of the succeeding shot. Match Move The process of matching the motion of a computer generated object with the motion of the camera or an object in order to blend it seamlessly within the frame. Match Moving A technique that allows the insertion of computer graphics into live-action footage with correct position, scale, orientation, and motion relative to the photographed objects in the shot. Matrix Switcher A device which uses an array of electronic switches to route a number of audio/video signals to one or more outputs in almost any combination. Matroska A free, open-standard container format, a file format that can hold an unlimited number of video, audio, picture, or subtitle tracks in one file. Matroska Multimedia Container A free, open-standard container format, a file format that can hold an unlimited number of video, audio, picture, or subtitle tracks in one file. Matte A process shot in which foreground action is superimposed on a separately photographed background by an optical printer. Matte Artist A person who creates background art for use in a matte shot. Matte Box A box attached to the front of the video camera lens in order to block and absorb light. Matte Painting The process of placing a glass-painted or digital background on footage in order to simulate a different or larger environment. MBMS Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service MCASP Multichannel Audio Serial Port Mean Lumens Lighting output of a lamp or luminaire at 40 percent of its service life. MediaCoder A proprietary transcoding program for Microsoft Windows, developed by Stanley Huang since 2005. MediaFLO A technology, obsolete as of March 2011, developed by Qualcomm for transmitting audio, video, and data to portable devices used for mobile television. Medium Close Up Halfway between a mid shot and a close-up. Usually covers the subject's head and shoulders. Medium Shot Defines any camera perspective between long shot and closeup, viewing the subjects from a medium distance. Megabyte A measure of computer storage capability; the equivalent of 1,000 bytes. Memory Bank A video that documents moments or events in a person's life. Memory Card A device used to store photos and videos in your camera. Memory Effect An effect observed in nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries that causes them to hold less charge. Mentor Character In storytelling, a character helping the protagonist to achieve their objective. For example, Yoda in Star Wars is a mentor character. Meridian Lossless Packing The standard lossless compression method for DVD-Audio content and typically provides about 1.5:1 compression on most music material. Metadata Data that cannot be seen or heard, such as EDLs, timecode, etc. Mezzanine Compression Contribution level quality encoded high-definition television signals, they are typically split into two levels: high level AT 140 Mb/s and low level at 39 Mb/s. MHEG-5 Part of a set of international standards relating to the presentation of multimedia information, standardised by the Multimedia and Hypermedia Experts Group (MHEG). MHL Mobile High-Definition Link Mickey An open-faced 1K light. Micro-DVI A proprietary video output port found in the original MacBook Air. MicroDVD A subtitle file format for digital video. Microphone Impedance In order to obtain the highest quality output signal from a microphone, a preamplifier input should provide a load (impedance) which exactly matches a microphone's output impedance. Microscanning A method for increasing the resolution of digital cameras. Microsoft Digital Video Recording A proprietary video and audio file container format, developed by Microsoft used for storing TV content recorded by Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Microsoft Media Server A Microsoft proprietary network-streaming protocol serves to transfer unicast data in Windows Media Services (previously called NetShow Services). Microsoft Video 1 An early lossy video compression and decompression algorithm (codec) that was released with version 1.0 of Microsoft's Video for Windows in November 1992. Mid-Side A stereo microphone technique where two microphones are incorporated into a special configuration for recording. MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface Mid Shot Defines any camera perspective between long shot and closeup, viewing the subjects from a medium distance. MII Portable, professional video component camera/recorder format, utilizing 1/2" metal particle videotape. Mini-DIN A family of multi-pin electrical connectors used in a variety of applications. Mini-DVI A connector is used on certain Apple computers as a digital alternative to the Mini-VGA connector. Mini-VGA A non-standard, proprietary alternative used on some laptops and other systems in place of the standard VGA connector, although most laptops use a standard VGA connector. Mini DisplayPort A miniaturized version of the DisplayPort audio-visual digital interface. MiniDP A miniaturized version of the DisplayPort audio-visual digital interface. Mirror Image An optical effect in which the picture is shown reversed from left to right. Mise-en-scène The stage design and arrangement of actors in scenes for a theatre or film production, both in visual arts through storyboarding, visual theme, and cinematography, and in narrative storytelling through the direction. Mix The result of combining combining audio signals from different sources, such as microphones, instruments, recordings, etc. Mix Cue Sheet A sheet having several columns for notations of footage, fades. volume levels, and equalizations which are used in mixing sound tracks where each column usually represents one track.
Mixing A process used in post-production where additional recordings are mixed with original production sound to create the finished soundtrack. MK3D Matroska file extension for stereoscopic video. MKA Matroska file extension for audio-only files. MKS Matroska file extension for video subtitles only. MKV Matroska file extension for video (which may or may not include subtitles and audio). MLP Meridian Lossless Packing MMS Microsoft Media Server MNG Multiple-image Network Graphics Mobile Content Any type of electronic media which is viewed or used on mobile phones, like ringtones, graphics, discount offers, games, movies, and GPS navigation. Mobile High-Definition Link An industry standard for a mobile audio/video interface that allows the connection of smartphones, tablets, and other portable consumer electronics devices to high-definition televisions (HDTVs), audio receivers, and projectors. Modem A hardware device that converts data into a format suitable for a transmission medium so that it can be transmitted from one computer to another (historically along telephone wires). Modulation A process that converts mutimedia information to an electrical or optical signal before it is transmitted. The reverse process (demodulation) converts the signal back to the original blend of audio, video, image and text. Moiré A distracting wavy effect produced when converging lines in a video image are nearly parallel to a monitor's scanning lines. Monaural Sound intended to be heard as if it were emanating from one position. Money Shot A moving or stationary visual element of a film, video, television broadcast, or print publication that is disproportionately expensive to produce or is perceived as essential to the overall importance or revenue-generating potential of the work. Monitor A screen device capable of accepting direct input from a video source. Monkey's Audio An algorithm and file format for lossless audio data compression. Mono Sound intended to be heard as if it were emanating from one position. Monochrome A device, process or media that uses only variants of a single color tone (hue). Black and white pictures are monochrome images. Monophonic Sound intended to be heard as if it were emanating from one position. Monopod A single staff or pole used to help support cameras, binoculars, rifles or other precision instruments in the field. Montage The assembly of shots and the portrayal of action or ideas through the use of many short shots. Mood Lighting Mood lighting is igniting or illumination, designed to create a temporary state of mind or feeling. Moore's Law The observation that the number of transistors in dense integrated circuit doubles about every two years. Morph A dissolve combined with a visual effect. Motif A recurring image, sound, line, action or another element that makes a symbolic, allegorical, metaphoric or thematic point in a movie. Motion-compensated Frame Interpolation A form of video processing in which intermediate animation frames are generated between existing ones by means of interpolation, in an attempt to make animation more fluid and to compensate for display motion blur. Motion Artifact Visual interference caused by the difference between the frame rate of the camera and the motion of the object. The most common display of this is when filming a computer or television screen Motion Blur The apparent streaking of moving objects in a photograph or a sequence of frames, such as a film or animation. Motion Capture The process of digitally recording an actor's movement in order to apply this movement to a computer-generated object. Motion Compensation An algorithmic technique used to predict a frame in a video, given the previous and/or future frames by accounting for motion of the camera and/or objects in the video. Motion Control The process of controlling the motion of the camera by a computer in order to obtain precise control over its movement. Motion Estimation The process of determining motion vectors that describe the transformation from one 2D image to another; usually from adjacent frames in a video sequence. Motion Graphic Design A subset of graphic design in that it uses graphic design principles in a filmmaking or video production context (or other temporally evolving visual media) through the use of animation or filmic techniques. Motion Graphics Pieces of animation or digital footage which create the illusion of motion or rotation, and are usually combined with audio for use in multimedia projects. Motion Interpolation A form of video processing in which intermediate animation frames are generated between existing ones by means of interpolation, in an attempt to make animation more fluid and to compensate for display motion blur. Motion JPEG A video compression format in which each video frame or interlaced field of a digital video sequence is compressed separately as a JPEG image. Motion Picture A dramatic performance recorded as a moving image, whether on film, videotape or digital media. MOV The filename extension for the QuickTime multimedia file format. Movie A dramatic performance recorded as a moving image, whether on film, videotape or digital media. Movie Camera A type of photographic camera which takes a rapid sequence of photographs on an image sensor or on a film. MP2 MPEG-1 Audio Layer II MP@HL Main Profile at High Level for HDTV MP@ML Main Profile at Main Level MPEG Moving Picture Experts Group MPEG-1 A group of picture blocks, usually four, which are analyzed during MPEG coding to give an estimate of the movement between frames MPEG-1 Audio Layer I A deliberately simplified version of MPEG-1 Audio Layer II, created for applications where lower compression efficiency could be tolerated in return for a less complex algorithm that could be executed with simpler hardware requirements. MPEG-1 Audio Layer II A lossy audio compression format defined by ISO/IEC 11172-3 alongside MPEG-1 Audio Layer I and MPEG-1 Audio Layer III (MP3). MPEG-1 Part 2 The MPEG-1 standard covering video and is defined in ISO/IEC-11172-2. The design was heavily influenced by H.261. MPEG-2 A standard for "the generic coding of moving pictures and associated audio information". MPEG-4 A method of defining compression of audio and visual (AV) digital data. MPEG-4 AVC The name of the most common video compression standard for high-definition digital video for resolutions up to 8K. Also known as MPEG-4 AVC and MPEG-4 Part 10. MPEG-4 Part 2 A video compression format developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). MPEG-4 Part 10 The name of the most common video compression standard for high-definition digital video for resolutions up to 8K. Also known as MPEG-4 AVC and MPEG-4 Part 10. MPEG-4 Visual A video compression format developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). MPEG-7 A multimedia content description standard. MPEG-21 A Moving Picture Experts Group standard aiming at defining an open framework for multimedia applications. MPEG-H Part 2 A video compression standard, designed as a successor to the widely used Advanced Video Coding (AVC, H.264, or MPEG-4 Part 10). MPEG IMX A 2001 development of the Digital Betacam format. MPEG Splicing he ability to cut into an MPEG bitstream for switching and editing, regardless of the type of frames (I, B, P). MPlayer A free and open-source media player software. It is available for Linux, OS X, and Microsoft Windows. MR Multifaceted reflector Multicam A method of filmmaking and video production involving multiple cameras. Multicast Data flow from a single source to multiple destinations. Multicast Backbone An experimental backbone and virtual network built on top of the Internet for carrying IP multicast traffic on the Internet. Multichannel Audio Digital Interface An Audio Engineering Society (AES) standard that defines the data format and electrical characteristics of an interface that carries multiple channels of digital audio. Multichannel Audio Serial Port A communication peripheral found in Texas Instruments family of digital signal processors (DSPs) and Microcontroller Units (MCUs). Multicore A multi-channel audio cable intended for use with microphone level signals and/or line-level signals Multimedia Content that uses a combination of different content forms such as text, audio, images, animations, video, and interactive content. Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service A point-to-multipoint interface specification for existing and upcoming 3GPP cellular networks, which is designed to provide efficient delivery of broadcast and multicast services, both within a cell as well as within the core network. Multipath Interference A phenomenon in the physics of waves whereby a wave from a source travels to a detector via two or more paths and, under the right condition, the two (or more) components of the wave interfere. Multiple Exposure The superimposition of two or more exposures to create a single image, and double exposure has a corresponding meaning in respect of two images. Multiplexer Device for mixing television signals to a single video recorder. Multiplexing A method by which multiple analog or digital signals are combined into one signal over a shared medium. Multipoint A term used by network designers to describe network links that have many possible endpoints. Multiscan Monitor A monitor which synchronizes to different video signal sync frequencies, allowing its use with various computer video outputs. Multisync Monitor A monitor which synchronizes to different video signal sync frequencies, allowing its use with various computer video outputs. Multitrack An audio tape recorder capable of handling more than two tracks of information separately. Musa Connector A type of coaxial ("coax") connector, originally developed for the manual switching of radio signals. Musepack An open-source lossy audio codec, specifically optimized for transparent compression of stereo audio at bitrates of 160–180 (manual set allows bitrates up to 320) kbit/s. MUSICAM A lossy audio compression format defined by ISO/IEC 11172-3 alongside MPEG-1 Audio Layer I and MPEG-1 Audio Layer III (MP3). Music And Effects A file with music and effects split into separate stems for foreign language dubbing. Music Sequencer The hardware or software based brain of a MIDI studio. It receives, stores and plays back MIDI information in a desired sequence. Music Video A short film that integrates a song with imagery, and is produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Muxing A method by which multiple analog or digital signals are combined into one signal over a shared medium. MXF Material Exchange Format Nanosecond One billionth of a second. An indication of the precision required in the timing of video signals. Narrative An account of a series of related events, experiences, or the like, whether true (episode, vignette, travelogue, memoir, autobiography, biography) or fictitious (fairy tale, fable, story, epic, legend, novel). Narrative Arc The parabolic shift in polar attitudes of a character from point A to point B during the course of a story. National Electrical Code A publication by the National Fire Protection Association, which establishes the requirements for fireproof electrical installations. Natural Color A color film process that actually filmed color images, rather than a color-tinted or colorized movie of the early days of cinema. Natural Light Planetary illumination -- from sun, moon, stars -- be it indoors or out. Has higher color temperature than artificial light, and thus more bluish qualities. Natural Wipe A transition technique accomplished by an element within the mise-en-scène rather than by a laboratory process. N Connector A threaded, weatherproof, medium-size RF connector used to join coaxial cables. Near Video On Demand A pay-per-view consumer video technique used by multi-channel broadcasters using high-bandwidth distribution mechanisms such as satellite and cable television. NEC National Electrical Code Negative An image those tonal values which are the opposite (black & white) or complement (color) of those in the original subject. Negative Conforming The process of cutting motion picture negative to match precisely the final edit as specified by the film editor. Negative Cutter A person who performs negative cutting: the physically cuts the film negative according to the cut list and then splices the film together in the desired order, ready for the final print. Negative Cutting The process of cutting motion picture negative to match precisely the final edit as specified by the film editor. Negative Matching The process of cutting motion picture negative to match precisely the final edit as specified by the film editor. NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association NEP Noise-equivalent power NetShow Microsoft's original framework for Internet network broadcasting, intended to compete with RealNetworks RealMedia & Vivo. NETVC A standardization project for a royalty-free video codec hosted by the IETF. Neutral-density Filter A filter that reduces the amount of light entering the camera lens by modify the intensity of all wavelengths of light equally. Neutral Density Colorless filters that reduce the amount of light in controlled degrees. NFPA 70 A publication by the National Fire Protection Association, which establishes the requirements for fireproof electrical installations. NHD A display resolution of 640 × 360 pixels. NiCad Lightweight camcorder battery type designed to maintain power longer than traditional lead-acid batteries. NICD Nickel–cadmium battery Nickel Metal Hydride A type of battery used in some lower-end cameras. Although cheaper than Lithium ion batteries, they tend to lose charge when not in use and don’t provide as much overall power. Nickel–cadmium Battery Lightweight camcorder battery type designed to maintain power longer than traditional lead-acid batteries. Nikon 1-mount A type of interchangeable lens mount developed by Nikon for its Nikon CX format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. Nikon Z-mount An interchangeable lens mount developed by Nikon for its full-frame mirrorless digital cameras. NIMH Nickel Metal Hydride Noddy A type of camera reaction shot used in recorded news or current affairs interviews. No Good Commonly seen on camera and editor reports to indicate a particular take is unusable. Noir Usually refers to the classic black and white film noir style used in detective mysteries, typically employing hard lighting and dark, low key lighting. Noise In analog video, a random flicker of dots or snow-like patterns resulting from electronic and radiated electromagnetic interferences accidentally picked up by the antenna. Noise Gate An electronic process used to reduce noise levels in audio and video. In the video, the most effective noise reduction is accomplished by digitizing the video signal and carrying out a computerized pixel by pixel analysis of the data. Non-Drop Frame A type of SMPTE time code that continuously counts a full 30 frames per second. As a result, non-drop-fame time code does not exactly match real-time. Non-synchronous Sound Sound which is indigenous to the action but not precisely synchronized with the action Nonanamorphic Widescreen A film process that achieves the wide-screen effect \without optically compressing the image or requiring the use of special projection techniques. Noninterlaced Scanning A format of displaying, storing, or transmitting moving images in which all the lines of each frame are drawn in sequence. Noninterlaced Video Process of scanning complete frames in one pass, painting every line on the screen, yielding higher picture quality than that of interlaced video. Most computers produce a noninterlaced video signal; NTSC is interlaced. Nonlinear A system in which the change of the output is not proportional to the change of the input. Nonlinear Editing A form of audio, video, and image editing in which the original content is not modified in the course of editing. Nonlinearity The amount by which a measured video signal output differs from a standard video signal output. Nose Room The distance between the subject and the edge of the frame in the direction the subject is looking. Notch A notch filter is a band-stop filter with a narrow stopband (high Q factor). NSV Nullsoft Streaming Video NTSC The analog television color system that was used in North America from 1954 and until digital conversion, was used in most of the Americas. Set to 525 lines per frame, 29.97 frames per second.
NTSC-J The analog video display standard for Japan. It ceased operations in 2011. NUT A container format under construction by MPlayer, FFmpeg and Libav developers. NVOD Near video on demand Obie A light mounted by the side of the camera, to provide direct light onto a subject's face, with the aim of reducing the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles.
Oblique Angle A camera shot whereby the camera is angled so that the horizontal frame line is not parallel to the horizon. OC-1 OC-1 is a SONET line with transmission speeds of up to 51.84 Mbit/s (payload: 50.112 Mbit/s; overhead: 1.728 Mbit/s) using optical fiber. OC-3 OC-3 is a network line with a transmission data rate of up to 155.52 Mbit/s (payload: 148.608 Mbit/s; overhead: 6.912 Mbit/s, including path overhead) using fiber optics. OC-3c OC-3c ("c" stands for "concatenated") concatenates three STS-1 (OC-1) frames into a single OC-3 look-alike stream. OC-12 OC-12 is a network line with transmission speeds of up to 622.08 Mbit/s (payload: 601.344 Mbit/s; overhead: 20.736 Mbit/s). OC-24 OC-24 is a network line with transmission speeds of up to 1244.16 Mbit/s (payload: 1202.208 Mbit/s (1.202208 Gbit/s); overhead: 41.472 Mbit/s). OC-48 OC-48 is a network line with transmission speeds of up to 2488.32 Mbit/s (payload: 2405.376 Mbit/s (2.405376 Gbit/s); overhead: 82.944 Mbit/s). OC-192 OC-192 is a network line with transmission speeds of up to 9953.28 Mbit/s (payload: 9510.912 Mbit/s (9.510912 Gbit/s); overhead: 442.368 Mbit/s). OC-768 OC-768 is a network line with transmission speeds of up to 39,813.12 Mbit/s (payload: 38,486.016 Mbit/s (38.486016 Gbit/s); overhead: 1,327.104 Mbit/s (1.327104 Gbit/s)). OC-1920 OC-1920 is a network line with transmission speeds of up to 99,532.8 Mbit/s (99.5328 Gbit/s). OC-3840 OC-3840 is a network line with transmission speeds of up to 200 Gbit/s. Octave The interval between two sounds having a basic frequency ratio of 2 to 1. OFDM Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing Off-book When an actor has completely memorized his or her lines and is no longer in need of the script. Offline The creative editing process which uses copies of the camera tapes on a typically "cuts only" inexpensive editing system. OggConvert A free and open-source transcoder for digital audio and video files of various types into the free Ogg Vorbis audio format, and the Theora, VP8, and Dirac video formats. Ogg Vorbis An audio coding format and software reference encoder/decoder (codec) for lossy audio compression. OGM A hack on Ogg that allowed embedding of video from the Microsoft DirectShow framework into an Ogg-based wrapper. OLED Organic light-emitting diode Omnidirectional Microphone pickup pattern whereby sound is absorbed equally from all directions. One-shot A full-length movie filmed in one long take by a single camera, or manufactured to give the impression it was. One Light Telecine transfer in which the film is color timed on the first shot and the settings are then applied to the rest of the reel. One Minute Video A video exactly one minute in length, containing no camera movements (panning, tilting, etc.) or editing, and making use of original sound. Online The final technical editing process which uses the original camera tapes to repeat all decisions made in the offline editing process. Opacity The ratio of the amount of light falling on a surface to the amount of light which is transmitted. Opaque A material that completely blocks visible light. OpenCable A set of hardware and software specifications under development in the United States by CableLabs to "define the next-generation digital consumer device" for the cable television industry. Open Graphics Library A cross-language, cross-platform application programming interface (API) for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. Opening Credits Titles shown at the very beginning of a movie, listing the most important members of the production. OpenLDI A high-bandwidth digital-video interface standard for connecting graphics/video processors to flat panel LCD monitors. Open Matte A filming technique that involves matting out the top and bottom of the film frame in the movie projector (known as a soft matte) for the widescreen theatrical release and then scanning the film without a matte (at Academy ratio) for a full-screen home video release. Open Media Framework A file format intended for transferring media between different software applications on different platforms. Operating System System software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. Opposite Colors Pairs of colors which, when combined or mixed, cancel each other and produce a grayscale color. Optical Carrier Transmission Rates Optical Carrier transmission rates are a standardized set of specifications of transmission bandwidth for digital signals that can be carried on Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) fiber-optic networks. Optical Diffuser Material that alters the quality of light passing through in order to produce lighting with less noticeable shadows. Optical Disc A flat, usually circular disc which encodes binary data (bits) in the form of pits (binary value of 0 or off, due to lack of reflection when read) and lands (binary value of 1 or on, due to a reflection when read) on a special material (often aluminium ) on one of its flat surfaces. Optical Effect The combining of visual elements from separate sources into single images, often to create the illusion that all those elements are parts of the same scene. Optical Fiber hin glass filaments within a jacket that optically transmits images or signals in the form of light around corners and over distances with extremely low losses. Optical Printer A printer in which an image of the original is transferred to raw film stock by means of light and a lens system. Opticals Shots composited in an optical printer to be output to film. Optical Sound An analog soundtrack printed on film that takes the form of a varying sound wave. Optical Videodisc A laser optical (reflective) video recording system that uses an analog technique called PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to represent video information on a grooveless, smooth, round plastic disc. Optical Zoom The lens’ ability to change the focal length either closer to or further from a central subject. OpTrans Translated or transcribed lyrics/dialogue projected above a stage or displayed on a screen, commonly used in opera, theatre, or other musical performances. Opus A lossy audio coding format designed to efficiently code speech and general audio in a single format, while remaining low-latency enough for real-time interactive communication and low-complexity enough for low-end embedded processors. Organic Light-emitting Diode A light-emitting diode (LED) in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of an organic compound that emits light in response to an electric current. OTT Over-the-top media service Out Point The timecode position at which a clip ends. Outtake Footage not to be included in final production. Overcranking The process of speeding the frame rate of a camera up, so that when the captured pictures are played at the normal frame rate the action appears to be in slow motion. Overlapping Action The process of aligning or overlapping the shots of a film sequence in order to achieve a smooth transition from the action in one shot to the action of the succeeding shot. Overlay Any technique used to display a video window on a computer display while bypassing the chain of CPU to graphics card to computer monitor. Oversampling The process of sampling a signal at a sampling frequency significantly higher than the Nyquist rate. Overscan Video images generally exceed the size of the physical screen. Over The Shoulder Shots that are framed with an emphasis on a particular character’s perspective. This shot is used in dialogue scenes to show conversations between two people. Overwrite Edit An editing method in which existing clips are overwritten when adding a new clip onto a timeline. Oxide The magnetic coating on video and audio tapes that stores picture and sound information. P&S Point-and-shoot camera P2 A professional digital recording solid-state memory storage media format introduced by Panasonic in 2004, and specially tailored to electronic news-gathering (ENG) applications. Packed PCM The standard lossless compression method for DVD-Audio content and typically provides about 1.5:1 compression on most music material. Packet Identifier Each table or elementary stream in a transport stream is identified by a 13-bit packet identifier. PAL Phase Alternating Line Palette A finite set of colors in no particular order. Palette Shifting A technique used in computer graphics in which colors are changed in order to give the impression of animation. Pan And Scan The process of formatting a wide-screen film onto video by selecting the area of the film frame to show in order to accommodate the different aspect ratios of wide-screen film and television. Panning Fixed, lateral movements made with a camera. Pantone A company headquartered in Carlstadt, New Jersey, best known for its Pantone Matching System (PMS), a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries notably graphic design, fashion design, etc. Parallel Editing An editing technique used to establish actions occurring at the same time and (usually) in the same place. Parfocal Lens A mechanical assembly of lens elements for which the focal length (and thus angle of view) can be varied, as opposed to a fixed focal length (FFL) lens. Parity Bit A method of verifying the accuracy of transmitted or recorded data. A bit added to a string of binary code to ensure that the total number of 1-bits in the string is even or odd. Patch Panel A unit used to connect and route signals to and from different, external devices. PCM Pulse-code modulation PDC Programme Delivery Control Peak Signal-to-noise Ratio An engineering term for the ratio between the maximum possible power of a signal and the power of corrupting noise that affects the fidelity of its representation. Pedestal The voltage level produced at the end of each horizontal picture line which separates the portion of the video signal containing the picture information from the portion containing the synchronizing information. Peg A standard clothespin used to affix gels to barn doors and other "hot" items. Period In scriptwriting, a historical time and place that serves as the setting or “special world” of a story.
Periodic Noise An image affected by periodic noise will look like a repeating pattern has been added on top of the original image. Persistence Of Vision The optical illusion that occurs when visual perception of an object does not cease for some time after the rays of light proceeding from it has ceased to enter the eye. Petzval Field Curvature The optical aberration in which a flat object normal to the optical axis (or a non-flat object past the hyperfocal distance) cannot be brought properly into focus on a flat image plane. Phantom Power A method of remotely powering the preamplifier or impedance converter which is buitlt into many microphones by sending a voltage along the audio cable. Phase The timing relationship between two signals Phase Alternating Line An analog standard used for encoding color television signals. PAL is the equivalent of NTSC and SECAM. Phase Distortion A shifting of output voltage relative to input by an amount which is disproportional to frequency. Phase Distortion is undetectable until it is amplified. Phase Error A change in the color subcarrier signal which moves its timing out of phase, i.e., it occurs at a different instant from the original signal. Phase Jitter The timing deviation from the signal's expected or ideal values in a digital electronic system. Phase Noise A change in the color subcarrier signal which moves its timing out of phase, i.e., it occurs at a different instant from the original signal. Phenakistiscope First widespread animation device that created a fluent illusion of motion. Phone Connector A sturdy male connector compatible with audio accessories, particularly for insertion of microphone and headphone cables. Phone Plug A sturdy male connector compatible with audio accessories, particularly for insertion of microphone and headphone cables. Phonofilm An optical sound-on-film system developed in the early 1920s. Phono Plug A type of connector used on all consumer VCRs and camcorders to carry the standard composite* video and audio signals. Phonotrope The technique of creating animation in a 'live' environment using the confluence of the frame rate of a live-action camera and the revolutions of a constantly rotating disc. Photoconductivity An optical and electrical phenomenon in which a material becomes more electrically conductive due to the absorption of electromagnetic radiation such as visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, or gamma radiation. Photocurrent The electric current through a photosensitive device, such as a photodiode, as the result of exposure to radiant power. Photodetector Sensors of light or other electromagnetic radiation. Photodiode A semiconductor device that converts light into an electrical current. Photographic Film A strip or sheet of transparent film base coated on one side with a gelatin emulsion containing microscopically small light-sensitive silver halide crystals. Photometry The measurement of light and its properties. Pick-up Reshooting a portion of a scene, the rest of which was acceptably filmed in a previous take. Pick-up Shot Reshooting a portion of a scene, the rest of which was acceptably filmed in a previous take. Pickup A video camera's image sensing element, either CCD (charge coupled device) or MOS (metal oxide semiconductor); converts light to electrical energy. A microphone's sound reception. Pickup Pattern Defines a microphone's response to sounds arriving from various directions or angles. PiCture EXchange An image file format developed by the now-defunct ZSoft Corporation of Marietta, Georgia, United States. Picture In Picture A digital special effect in which one video image is inserted within another allowing several images to share a single screen. Picture Profile The four dimensions of in-camera picture settings: sharpness, contrast, saturation, and color tone. Piezo Microphone A type of microphone that senses audio vibrations through contact with solid objects. Pillarbox The black bars displayed at the sides when a 4:3 image is shown in widescreen. Pilot Tone A sine wave signal, recorded by various field audio recorders at a known frequency, which is used to resolve the tape speed on playback to retain sync with film camera footage. Obsolete. Pilottone A sine wave signal, recorded by various field audio recorders at a known frequency, which is used to resolve the tape speed on playback to retain sync with film camera footage. Obsolete. Pinch Roller In a videotape, a rubberized, free-spinning wheel typically used to press the magnetic tape against a capstan shaft. Pink Noise A sound signal that has an equal amount of energy per octave or fraction of an octave. Pipe Clamp A clamp used to attach a larger piece of hardware, such as a lighting instrument, a speaker, or a dimmer, to a pipe or batten. Pitch The frequency of audible sound Pitch Control Increasing or decreasing tape speed to match the musical pitch of the playback. Pixel The smallest addressable element on a screen or display device. Pixel Aspect Ratio A mathematical ratio that describes how the width of a pixel in a digital image compares to the height of that pixel. Pixelation The display of large, blocky pixels in an image caused by over-enlarging it. Pixel Density Measurements of the pixel density (resolution) of an electronic image device, such as a computer monitor or television display, or image digitizing device such as a camera or image scanner. Pixels Per Centimetre Measurements of the pixel density (resolution) of an electronic image device, such as a computer monitor or television display, or image digitizing device such as a camera or image scanner. Pixels Per Inch Measurements of the pixel density (resolution) of an electronic image device, such as a computer monitor or television display, or image digitizing device such as a camera or image scanner. Plane Reflector A large white card made of foam or poster board used to reflect soft light. Plasma Display A type of flat panel display that uses small cells containing plasma: ionized gas that responds to electric fields. Plasma Screen Display screens comprised of hundreds of thousands of tiny gas-filled cells sandwiched between two sheets of glass. Plate Shot An empty shot of a background with no foreground elements, often for removing certain foreground elements from the scene such as light stands, wires and rigging in the visual effects stage. Playback Videotaped material viewed and heard as recorded, facilitated by camcorder or VCR. Plenoptic Camera A camera that captures information about the light field emanating from a scene. Plot Action In scriptwriting: refers to the physical actions and story points that propel a story through to a climax and resolution. Plot Device Any technique in a narrative used to move the plot forward. Plot Pay-off In scriptwriting: the consequence or outcome of a plot point or story element that is set-up earlier in a screenplay. Plot Point In scriptwriting: the consequence or outcome of a plot point or story element that is set-up earlier in a screenplay.
PLS A computer file format for a multimedia playlist. PLUGE Picture line-up generation equipment Plugin Third-party software created to add a new feature to an application, such as Premiere or After Effects. Point-of-view Shot A short film scene that shows what a character (the subject) is looking at (represented through the camera). Point-to-multipoint Fixed wireless data communications for Internet or voice over IP via radio or microwave frequencies in the gigahertz range. Point Of View A shot that shows the perspective from a character or object’s position in the scene's setting. Point Spread Function A mathematical function that describes the response of an imaging system to a point source or point object. Polarization A property applying to transverse waves that specifies the geometrical orientation of the oscillations. Polarizing Filter A piece of glass that fits over the front end of a lens to change the way that your camera sees and treats light, while ultimately cutting down on glare. Pop Filter A noise protection filter for microphones, typically used in a recording studio. It serves to reduce or eliminate popping sounds caused by the mechanical impact of fast-moving air on the microphone during recorded speech and singing. Pop Screen A noise protection filter for microphones, typically used in a recording studio. It serves to reduce or eliminate popping sounds caused by the mechanical impact of fast-moving air on the microphone during recorded speech and singing. Pop Shield A noise protection filter for microphones, typically used in a recording studio. It serves to reduce or eliminate popping sounds caused by the mechanical impact of fast-moving air on the microphone during recorded speech and singing. PortAudio An open-source computer library for audio playback and recording. Positive Print A film print created from a negative that is suitable for projection. Post-classical Editing A style of editing characterized by shorter shot lengths, faster cuts between shots, and containing more jump shots and close-ups than classical editing characteristic of films prior to the 1960s. Post-Production The period in a project's development that takes place after the picture is delivered, or "after the production." Posterization Electronic special effect transforming a normal video image into a collage of flattened single-colored areas, without graduations of color and brightness. Practical Effect A special effect produced physically, without computer-generated imagery or other post production techniques. Practical Source Any light source that is part of the scene itself and does not need to be hidden from the camera. Pre-blacked Tapes that have been pre-recorded with blank data (a black screen and timecode) before they are used.
Pre-credits A cold open is a narrative tactic where the video jumps directly into a story, before any title sequence or opening credits are shown. Pre-production The vital phase of production in which the script, budget, locations, actors, and props are planned. Pre-roll Ads which appear before a video and Video On Demand actually refers to a video which can be loaded at any time. Preamp An electronic device that boosts extremely weak signal voltages, such as those from microphones or mag heads, to a level that is usable by power amplifiers. Preamplifier An electronic device that boosts extremely weak signal voltages, such as those from microphones or mag heads, to a level that is usable by power amplifiers. Predicted Picture A P‑frame (Predicted picture) holds only the changes in the image from the previous frame. P‑frames can use data from previous frames to decompress and are more compressible than I‑frames. Prescoring Recording of music or other sound prior to the shooting of the picture which is to accompany it. The most common usage is in animated film. Presence The sound in a room. It is recorded and intercut with dialogue to smooth out any editing points. Preview Bus A processor function allowing the operator to select any incoming video source for viewing prior to actual use. Typically, each signal can be previewed on its own monitor. Primary Color The basic colors used in TV and video systems of red, green and blue. Print A version of a film intended for projection. Prism Shutter A device used on many film viewers, editing machines, and some high-speed cameras, consisting of a rotating prism of four or more sides through which the viewer light passes as film is pulled continuously through it. Prizma A color television system in which the primary color information is transmitted in successive images and which relies on the human vision system to fuse the successive images into a color picture. ProcAmp A device used to alter, change or clean video or audio signal components or parameters in realtime. Processing Amplifier A device used to alter, change or clean video or audio signal components or parameters in realtime. Process Photography A technique where the actor stands in front of a screen and the background is projected onto the screen behind them. Process Shot A shot that will be composited from two other shots. The background part of this process is called a 'plate'. Producer The person who oversees film production. Production The actual filming and creation of the raw elements as required by the script. Production Board A filmmaking term for cardboard or wooden chart displaying color-coded strips of paper, each containing information about a scene in the film's shooting script. Production Logo A logo used by movie studios and television production companies to brand what they produce and to determine the production company and the distributor of a television show or film. Production Manager The main supervisor of the crew in charge of keeping a film project on time and on budget. Production Report A filmmaking term for the form filled out each day of production of a movie or television show to summarize what occurred that day. Production Schedule Project plan of how the production budget will be spent over a given timescale, for every phase of a business project. Production Sound Recording and/or mixing sound on location during the film or video shoot. Professional Disc A digital recording optical disc format introduced by Sony in 2003 primarily for XDCAM, its tapeless camcorder system. Progressive Capture A format of displaying, storing, or transmitting moving images in which all the lines of each frame are drawn in sequence. Progressive Scan A way to store and transmit images that draws all the lines in each frame in sequence. Compare to other techniques such as interlacing. Progressive Scanning A format of displaying, storing, or transmitting moving images in which all the lines of each frame are drawn in sequence. Progressive Segmented Frame A scheme designed to acquire, store, modify and distribute progressive-scan video using interlaced equipment. Prolepsis A scene that temporarily takes the narrative forward in time from the current point of the story in literature, film, television and other media. Prop Objects used either in decorating a set or by talent. Prosumer A person who consumes and produces a product. Protocol A system of rules that allow two or more entities of a communications system to transmit information via any kind of variation of a physical quantity. Pseudo-solarization Special effect in which the lightest and darkest values of a picture are made dark while the middle tones become light. PSF Progressive segmented frame PSIP Program and System Information Protocol PSNR Peak signal-to-noise ratio Psychological Time The use of filming devices that, in the continuity of a motion-picture narrative, suggest not chronological time but time as it is perceived by a character's mind. PTP Precision Time Protocol Pull Back Shot A shot where the camera physical moves away or zooms out from the subject to reveal the full context of the scene. PulseAudio A network-capable sound server program distributed via the freedesktop.org project. Punch In Inserting audio in a track by playing up to a chosen point and switching the analog device from playback to record mode. Punky C-Stand A 20" C-Stand with a smaller base and footprint than the standard 20" size. PureVideo Nvidia's hardware SIP core that performs video decoding. Push In Shot The opposite of a pull back shot; a shot in which the camera moves towards or zooms into an object. Push Video On Demand So-named because the provider "pushes" the content out to the viewer's set-top box without the viewer having requested the content. PVOD Push video on demand Péritel An audio/video connector used in consumer equipment, especially in Europe. P‑frame A P‑frame (Predicted picture) holds only the changes in the image from the previous frame. P‑frames can use data from previous frames to decompress and are more compressible than I‑frames. P‑frames In the field of video compression, a video frame is compressed using different algorithms with different advantages and disadvantages, centered mainly around the amount of data compression. QAM Quadrature amplitude modulation QHD A display resolution of 960 × 540 pixels. QHD+ A resolution of 3200 × 1800 pixels. QQVGA A resolution of 160 × 120 or 120 × 160 pixels. QSXGA Quad Super Extended Graphics Array Qt Filename extension for QuickTime File Format. QTFF QuickTime File Format Quad HD A display resolution of 2560 × 1440 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio. Quadraphonic Sound reproduction that uses four channels in which speakers are positioned at the four corners of the listening space, reproducing signals that are (wholly or in part) independent of one another. Quadraplex The first practical and commercially successful analog recording video tape format. Quadrature Amplitude Modulation A family of digital modulation methods and a related family of analog modulation methods widely used in modern telecommunications to transmit information. Quadruplex Videotape The first practical and commercially successful analog recording video tape format. Quantization A lossy compression technique achieved by compressing a range of values to a single quantum value. Quantization Noise The noise caused by quantizing the pixels of a sensed image to a number of discrete levels is known as quantization noise. Quantum Dot Display A display device that uses quantum dots (QD), semiconductor nanocrystals which can produce pure monochromatic red, green, and blue light. Quarter Inch A medium for magnetic recording, made of a thin, magnetizable coating on a long, narrow strip of plastic film. Quartz Tungsten-Halogen lights or lighting units. The name is derived from the material which encloses the lighting element. Quartz-halogen Tungsten-Halogen lights or lighting units. The name is derived from the material which encloses the lighting element. Quartz Compositor The display server (and at the same time the compositing window manager) in macOS. Quartz Iodine Lamp Tungsten-Halogen lights or lighting units. The name is derived from the material which encloses the lighting element. QuickTime Cross-platform video compression software developed by Apple and used extensively on the Macintosh platform. QuickTime Animation A video compression format and codec created by Apple Computer to enable playback of RGB video in real-time without expensive hardware. QuickTime RLE A video compression format and codec created by Apple Computer to enable playback of RGB video in real-time without expensive hardware. QUXGA Quad Ultra Extended Graphics Array QVGA A resolution of 320 × 240 pixels. QWXGA Quad Wide Extended Graphics Array QXGA Quad Extended Graphics Array Rack A standardized storage area for computer servers and other equipment. Rack Focus Shifting focus between subjects in the background and foreground so a viewer’s attention moves from subject to subject as the focus shifts. Racking Focus Shifting focus between subjects in the background and foreground so a viewer’s attention moves from subject to subject as the focus shifts. Radiant Flux The radiant energy emitted, reflected, transmitted, or received, per unit time. Radiant Power The radiant energy emitted, reflected, transmitted, or received, per unit time. Radio Frequency Describes the radio signal band of the electromagnetic spectrum (about 30 MHz to 300 GHz). RAID Redundant Array of Independent Disks Random-access Memory A form of computer memory that can be read and changed in any order, typically used to store working data and machine code. Rapid Rectilinear A lens that is symmetrical about its aperture stop with four elements in two groups. Raster The pattern of parallel horizontal scanning lines, traced by a video monitor's electron beam, making up a video image. Raster Image The 2-D array of pixels representing video and graphics. Rasterization The task of taking an image described in a vector graphics format (shapes) and converting it into a raster image (a series of pixels, dots, or lines, which, when displayed together, create the image which was represented via shapes). Raster Scan The rectangular pattern of image capture and reconstruction in television. Raw Image Format A proprietary file format containing the entire unprocessed information captured by the sensors.. RCA Connector A type of connector used on all consumer VCRs and camcorders to carry the standard composite* video and audio signals. RCTC Rewritable consumer timecode RC Timecode A time code system, available on 8mm and Hi-8 formats only. Re-recording The process of mixing all edited music, effects and dialog tracks of a film or video production to mono, stereo, multichannel or whatever audio format is desired for the final print master. Reaction Shot A shot of a player listening while another player's voice continues on the sound track. Read-only Memory A type of non-volatile memory used in computers and other electronic devices. Real-Time Streaming Protocol A network control protocol designed for use in entertainment and communications systems to control streaming media servers. RealAudio A proprietary audio format developed by RealNetworks and first released in April 1995. Real Data Transport A proprietary transport protocol for the actual audio-video data, developed by RealNetworks in the 1990s. RealMedia A proprietary multimedia container format created by RealNetworks. RealMedia Variable Bitrate A variable bitrate extension of the RealMedia multimedia digital container format developed by RealNetworks. RealPlayer A cross-platform media player app, developed by RealNetworks. The media player is compatible with numerous container file formats of the multimedia realm, including MP3, MP4, QuickTime File Format, Windows Media format, and the proprietary RealAudio and RealVideo formats. Real Time Occurring immediately, without delay for rendering. RealVideo A suite of proprietary video compression formats developed by RealNetworks – the specific format changes with the version. Rear Projection A technique where the actor stands in front of a screen and the background is projected onto the screen behind them. Red Book The standard format for audio compact discs. Red Green Blue Video signal transmission system that differentiates and processes all color information in separate red, green, and blue component. Red Herring In scriptwriting, a red herring is a false lead, assumed outcome or obvious solution that a writer plants in a story to fool the audience from guessing the real outcome. Reduction Printing A copy of a film done with an optical printer to a smaller size or gauge than the original. Redundant Array Of Independent Disks A data storage virtualization technology that combines multiple physical disk drive components into one or more logical units for the purposes of data redundancy, performance improvement, or both. Reel A strip of film wound upon a disc for attaching to a projector. Reference Frame Frames of a compressed video that are used to define future frames. Reference Tone A sound meant to be used by audio engineers in order to adjust the playback equipment so that the accompanying media is at a comfortable volume for the audience. Reflectance The effectiveness of a surface of a material in reflecting radiant energy. Reflected Light Light which emanates indirectly from a light source, measured from the object it strikes to the source. Reflector Lighting accessory helpful for spreading light as well as filling in shadows. Refresh Rate The number of times in a second that a display hardware updates its buffer. Regular Reflection A term used to describe highly directional, focused light. This is often perceived as a very 'hard' light. Relational Editing Editing of shots for the purposes of comparison or for the contrast of content. Release The authorization by the owner of a completed film to a public exhibition of the film. Rembrandt Lighting Standard lighting technique that is used in studio portrait photography and cinematography. Remote Videomaking performed "on location," outside controlled studio environment. Remote Camera A camera placed by a photographer in areas where the photographer generally cannot be at the camera to snap the shutter. Render The process of calculating effects in an image for playback or final output. Render Farm An array of computers that each process small segments of a large task in order to speed it up. Resolution The total number of bits that a digitized image contains, or that a digital display can show. Typically expressed as the number of pixels referencing the width and height of the image or display: 800px x 600px.
Resolution Independence A term used to describe the notion of equipment that can operate at more than one resolution. Responsivity Measures the input-output gain of a detector system. In the specific case of a photodetector, responsivity measures the electrical output per optical input. Return Loss The loss of power in the signal returned/reflected by a discontinuity in a transmission line or optical fiber. Reveal A plot device in narrative structure, and is the exposure to the reader or audience of a previously unseen key character or element of plot or of the performance. Reverb The presence or persistence of sound due to repeated reflections. Reverberation The presence or persistence of sound due to repeated reflections. Reversal In scriptwriting, a reversal is a peripeteia: a serious second act obstacle to a protagonist’s objective. Reversal Film A film that is manufactured and processed in such a way as to produce a positive image after exposure. Reverse Action An optical effect in which the action appears backward from its chronological sequence. Reverse Angle A shot that is turned approximately 180 degrees in relation to the preceding shot. Reverse Cut A shot that is turned approximately 180 degrees in relation to the preceding shot. RF Converter A device that converts audio and video signals into a combined RF signal suitable for reception by a standard TV. RF Modulation The process of combining a video signal with an RF source so the result can be transmitted to a television or VCR. RG-6 A common type of coaxial cable used in residential and commercial applications. RG-59 A type of coaxial cable used for low-power video and RF connections. RGB The basic components of a color video signal. RGBA A file containing an RGB image plus an alpha channel for transparency information. RGB File Format The native raster graphics file format for Silicon Graphics workstations. Rigger Person who works on ropes, booms, lifts, hoists and the like for a stage production, film, or television show. Rigging A technique in computer animation in which a character (or other articulated object) is represented in two parts: a surface representation used to draw the character (called skin or mesh) and a hierarchical set of interconnected bones (called the skeleton or rig) used to animate (pose and keyframe) the mesh. Rim Light A hard backlight on the subject that is generally more intense than the key light. Ring Flash A circular photographic electronic flash that fits around a camera lens. Ringing A copy of the transmitted image super-imposed with an offset on top of the main image. Ring Light A circular photographic electronic flash that fits around a camera lens. Ripple Automatic updating of an Edit Decision List after making a change to the list. Ripple Dissolve A ripple dissolve is a type of transition characterized by a wavering image that is usually employed to indicate a change to flashback material, commonly a character's memory of an event. RMVB RealMedia Variable Bitrate Roll Axis The Longitudinal Axis of a camera view. Roll Edit A method of shortening one clip and lengthening an adjacent one at the same time in order to maintain the original length of the sequence. Room Modes The collection of resonances that exist in a room when the room is excited by an acoustic source such as a loudspeaker Room Tone The sound in a room. It is recorded and intercut with dialogue to smooth out any editing points. Rotoscoping An animation technique that animators use to trace over motion picture footage, frame by frame, to produce realistic action. Rough Cut A preliminary trial stage in the process of editing a film. Shots are laid out in approximate relationship to an end product without detailed attention to the individual cutting points RS-232 Computer communication standards used in video for the control of certain video equipment. RS-422 A telecommunications standard for binary serial communications between devices. RTCP RTP Control Protocol RTP Real-time Transport Protocol RTP Control Protocol A sister protocol of the Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP). Its basic functionality and packet structure is defined in RFC 3550. RTCP provides out-of-band statistics and control information for an RTP session. RTSP Real-Time Streaming Protocol Run-length Encoding A form of lossless data compression in which runs of data (sequences in which the same data value occurs in many consecutive data elements) is stored as a single data value and count, rather than as the original run. Rushes Daily prints of a film used for evaluation purposes. S-Video A signaling standard for standard definition video, typically 480i or 576i. S/PDIF A type of digital audio interconnect used in consumer audio equipment to output audio over reasonably short distances. Sabattier Effect A phenomenon in photography in which the image recorded on a negative or on a photographic print is wholly or partially reversed in tone. Safe Area Boundaries within which contents of a television picture are sure to be seen, regardless of masking differences in receiver displays. Salt-and-pepper Noise An image containing salt-and-pepper noise will have dark pixels in bright regions and bright pixels in dark regions. SAMI Synchronized Accessible Media Interchange Sample-rate Conversion The process of changing the sampling rate of a discrete signal to obtain a new discrete representation of the underlying continuous signal. Sample Reel A short, edited video montage or footage showcasing someone's work for the purpose of employment or promotion. Sampling The reduction of a continuous-time signal to a discrete-time signal. Sampling Rate The reduction of a continuous-time signal to a discrete-time signal. Saturation Property of a color determined by a combination of light intensity and how much it is distributed across the spectrum of different wavelengths SAV Start of active video Scalable Video A new wireless multicast technology. In scalable video multicast, the video program subscribers can view the program in accordance with their link conditions. Scalable Video Coding The name for the Annex G extension of the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC video compression standard. Scaling The resizing of a digital image. In video technology, the magnification of digital material is known as upscaling or resolution enhancement. Scan Conversion The process of representing continuous graphics objects as a collection of discrete pixels. Scan Line Result of television's swift scanning process which sweeps out a series of horizontal lines from left to right, then down a bit and left to right again. SCART An audio/video connector used in consumer equipment, especially in Europe. Scenarist A writer who practices the craft of screenwriting, writing screenplays on which mass media, such as films, television programs, and video games, are based. Scene A sequence of related shots usually constituting action in one particular location. Scene Heading A basic set description located at the top of a script scene, written in all caps, providing information as to whether the scene is interior vs. exterior, day or night, and where it takes place. Scenography The practice of crafting stage environments or atmospheres. Schüfftan Process An in-camera special effect whereby live actors appear inside miniatures. Scoop The light that provides a soft-edged field of light used to provide additional subject illumination to reduce harsh shadows or areas not highlighted by the key light. Scope A trade name for a system of anamorphic lenses and widescreen (2.35:1) projection. Score The original-music composition for a motion picture or television production which is generally recorded after the picture has been edited. Scotopic Lumens The portion of luminous output that gets a response from the rods in human eyes. Scratch Video A British video art movement that emerged in the early to mid-1980s. Screen Direction The direction that actors or objects appear to be moving on the screen from the point of view of the camera or audience. Screener An advance screening of a film or television Screenplay A formatted written work that includes stage direction, action, character names and dialogue. Screenplay Writer A writer who practices the craft of screenwriting, writing screenplays on which mass media, such as films, television programs, and video games, are based. Screen Tearing A visual artifact in video display where a display device shows information from multiple frames in a single screen draw. Screenwriter A writer who practices the craft of screenwriting, writing screenplays on which mass media, such as films, television programs, and video games, are based. Scrim A metal 'window screen' that can be placed in front of a lighting unit to decrease the lighting intensity by a predetermined amount. Script Breakdown An intermediate step in the production of a play, film, comic book, or any other work that is originally planned using a script. Script Supervisor A member of a film crew who oversees the continuity of the motion picture including wardrobe, props, set dressing, hair, makeup and the actions of the actors during a scene. Scriptwriter A writer who practices the craft of screenwriting, writing screenplays on which mass media, such as films, television programs, and video games, are based. Scrub Moving a piece of tape or magnetic film back and forth over a sound head to locate a specific cue or word. Scrub Wheel A mechanical control for scrubbing film or magnetic tape. SCSI Small Computer System Interface SDDS Sony Dynamic Digital Sound SDI Serial digital interface SDL Simple DirectMedia Layer SDTI Serial Data Transport Interface SDTV Standard-definition television SDXC A memory card format that supports cards up to 2 TB and speeds up to 300 MB/s. SECAM The video standard used in some European and surrounding countries. Second Unit A photographic team that shoots scenes which do not involve the principal cast, such as stunts, car chases, or establishing shots. SEG Special Effects Generator Selective Focus In an image , the distance between the closest and the farthest objects that are acceptably sharp. Sensitivity An indication of recording or playback efficiency as might be a measure of a microphone or audio tape recorder. Separate Video A signaling standard for standard definition video, typically 480i or 576i. Sepia Brassy antique color effect characteristic of old photographs. Sepmag A device for the recording and playback of film sound that is recorded on magnetic film. Sequence A series of scenes that form a distinct narrative unit, which is usually connected either by a unity of location or a unity of time. Sequencer The hardware or software based brain of a MIDI studio. It receives, stores and plays back MIDI information in a desired sequence. Sequence Shot A shot, a long take, that includes a full narrative sequence containing multiple scenes in its duration, meaning different locations or different time periods. Serial The process of sending data one bit at a time, sequentially, over a communication channel or computer bus. Serial Port A computer l/O (input/output) port through which the computer communicates with the external world. Serial Video Processing A video mixing architecture where a series of video multipliers, each combining two video signals, are cascaded or arranged in a serial fashi Set Where the camera is in place for a shot that is being set up for being shot at a location or studio. Set-top Box A device that is connected to a television so that it can receive digital signals. Set-top Unit A device that is connected to a television so that it can receive digital signals. Set Dressing General decorative items in a scene that are not specifically referenced by the script. Setting In scriptwriting, the time and geographic location within a narrative, either nonfiction or fiction. A literary element, the setting helps initiate the main backdrop and mood for a story SGI Silicon Graphics Image Shallow Focus A photographic and cinematographic technique incorporating a small depth of field. Sharpness The fine details in a video picture. SheerVideo A family of proprietary lossless video codecs developed by BitJazz Inc. to enable the capture, editing, playback, and archival of professional-quality lossless video formats in real-time on low-power inexpensive hardware such as laptop computers and video cameras. Shoot And Protect A technique where widescreen footage is shot with the main action centered so as to provide easier center crop conversion to a 4:3 aspect ratio. Shooting In The Round A style in cinematography in which the 180-degree rule is broken and the actors are filmed from all sides. Shooting Ratio Amount of raw footage recorded relative to the amount used in edited, finished program. Shooting Script The version of a screenplay used during the production of a motion picture. Shorten A file format used for compressing audio data. It is a form of data compression of files and is used to losslessly compress CD-quality audio files (44.1 kHz 16-bit stereo PCM). Shorten is no longer developed. Shot All pictorial material recorded by a camera. More strictly speaking, shots are intentional, isolated camera views which collectively comprise a scene. Shotgun Mic A highly directional microphone, usually with a long, tubular body; used by the production sound mixer on location or on the set for film and television productions. Shot List A full log of all the shots you want to include in your video. Shot Noise The dominant noise in the darker parts of an image from an image sensor is typically that caused by statistical quantum fluctuations, that is, variation in the number of photons sensed at a given exposure level. Shot Reverse Shot A film technique where one character is shown looking at another character (often off-screen), and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character. Shoulder Rig A piece of equipment used to help stabilize a handheld camera. Showreel A short, edited video montage or footage showcasing someone's work for the purpose of employment or promotion. Shutter In a camera, the mechanical component that allows light to reach the sensors for a set amount of time. Shutter Speed One of several methods used to control the amount of light recorded by the camera. Siamese A splitter that divides a power line into two parts. Sibilance The excessive or exaggerated hissing in recorded voice patterns. Sider A flag up on the side of a lighting unit to block light.
SIGGRAPH Special Interest Group on Computer GRAPHics and Interactive Techniques Sightline An imaginary line that is drawn between a subject and the object that he/she is looking at. Sight Line An imaginary line that is drawn between a subject and the object that he/she is looking at. Signal The form of variation with time of a wave whereby information is conveyed in some form whether it is acoustic or electronic. Signal-to-noise Ratio A measurement of the ratio between the amplitude of the original signal and the background noise. A higher SNR indicates a better output. Signal Generator A device or component that outputs predetermined audio or video signals for testing and measurement purposes. Signaling Rate The aggregate rate at which data pass a point in the transmission path of a data transmission system. Silhouette The image of a person, animal, object or scene represented as a solid shape of a single color, usually black, with its edges matching the outline of the subject. Silk A material used to diffuse or reflect light. Silverlight A deprecated application framework for writing and running rich Internet applications, similar to Adobe Flash. Simple DirectMedia Layer A cross-platform software development library designed to provide a hardware abstraction layer for computer multimedia hardware components. Simulcast The broadcasting of programs or events across more than one medium, or more than one service on the same medium, at exactly the same time (that is, simultaneously). Simultaneity The quality of having two or more things happening at once. Simultaneous Broadcast The broadcasting of programs or events across more than one medium, or more than one service on the same medium, at exactly the same time (that is, simultaneously). Single A shot with only one subject in the frame. Single-channel Video A video artwork using a single electronic source presented and exhibited from one playback device. Single System A method of recording sound and picture on the same medium, most typically used in newsgathering. Sizzle Reel A short, edited video montage or footage showcasing someone's work for the purpose of employment or promotion. Skeletal Animation A technique in computer animation in which a character (or other articulated object) is represented in two parts: a surface representation used to draw the character (called skin or mesh) and a hierarchical set of interconnected bones (called the skeleton or rig) used to animate (pose and keyframe) the mesh. Skip Frame An optical printing effect which eliminates selected frames of the original scene to speed up the action. Slate A device that combines a hinged clapper stick and a slate. These boards are designed to assist the synchronizing of pictures and sound during post-production. Slave An audiotape or videotape transport, projector or mag film dubber whose movements follow the movement of a single master transport. Slit-scan Photography A photographic and cinematographic process where a moveable slide, into which a slit has been cut, is inserted between the camera and the subject to be photographed. Slow Cutting A film editing technique which uses shots of long duration. Slow Motion A device that uses a track to allow smooth camera movements laterally, front to back, or even diagonally. SLS Same language subtitling Slug A strip of film or digital effect used to fill in black areas on the timeline. Slug Line A basic set description located at the top of a script scene, written in all caps, providing information as to whether the scene is interior vs. exterior, day or night, and where it takes place. Smacker Video A video file format (with the .SMK file extension) developed by RAD Game Tools, and primarily used for full-motion video in video games. Smash Cut A technique in film and other moving picture media where one scene abruptly cuts to another for aesthetic, narrative, or emotional purpose. SMIL Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language SMPTE/EBU The European Broadcasting Union, an alliance of public service media organizations, established on 12 February 1950. SMPTE 240M An interim color space standard used during the early days of HDTV (1988-1998). SMPTE 301 Standard specifications for film leaders. The standard also specifies the position and placement of the cue marks at the end of the reel. SMPTE 367M The SMPTE standard for HDCAM. The standard specifies compression of high-definition digital. SMPTE 421M A video coding format. Most of it was initially developed as Microsoft's proprietary video format Windows Media Video 9 in 2003. SMPTE Color Bars A television test pattern used to configure monitors to the NTSC standard. SMPTE D-11 The SMPTE standard for HDCAM. The standard specifies compression of high-definition digital. Snake A multi-channel audio cable intended for use with microphone level signals and/or line-level signals Snake Cable A multi-channel audio cable intended for use with microphone level signals and/or line-level signals SND Interchangeable audio file formats used in the Sun Sparc station, Nest and Silicon Graphics (SGI) computers. Snoot Open-ended cylindrical funnel mounted on a light source to project a narrow, concentrated circle of illumination. SnorriCam A camera rig attached to the body of an actor to create the effect of a background moving around a stationary subject. Snow In analog video, a random flicker of dots or snow-like patterns resulting from electronic and radiated electromagnetic interferences accidentally picked up by the antenna. SNR Signal-to-noise ratio Softbox Lighting accessory available in various sizes usually made of textured gold or silver fabric. Facilitates soft, shadowless illumination by reflecting light onto a scene. Soft Focus Soft focus is a lens flaw, in which the lens forms images that are blurred due to spherical aberration. Soft Light A light which is diffused and creates very soft shadows. Solarization Special effect in which the lightest and darkest values of a picture are made dark while the middle tones become light. SONET Synchronous optical networking Sony Dynamic Digital Sound Sony Dynamic Digital Sound System. A film sound format which encodes eight tracks of digital audio outside of the sprocket holes on both edges of a film print. Sorenson Media An American software company specializing in video encoding technology. Sound-on-disc A class of sound film processes using a phonograph or other disc to record or playback sound in sync with a motion picture. Sound-on-film A class of sound film processes where the sound accompanying a picture is recorded onto photographic film, usually, but not always, the same strip of the film carrying the picture. Sound Bridge An audio track used as a transition between two scenes to ensure continuity. Sound Designer A film sound specialist responsible for the development and augmentation of all soundtrack material, or a significant portion thereof, and is ultimately in charge of the entire sound production. Sound Effect A recorded or electronically produced sound that matches the visual action taking place onscreen. Sound Follower A device for the recording and playback of film sound that is recorded on magnetic film. Sound Marker A device that combines a hinged clapper stick and a slate. These boards are designed to assist the synchronizing of pictures and sound during post-production. Sound Masking A phenomenon whereby one or more sound "trick" the ear into not hearing other, weaker, sound that are also present. Sound Mixer The person responsible for capturing sound as it plays out live, determining microphone types and placement. Sound Recordist The person responsible for capturing sound as it plays out live, determining microphone types and placement. Sound Reflection The presence or persistence of sound due to repeated reflections. Sound Report A filmmaking term for a sheet of paper created by the Sound Mixer to record details of each file recorded during filming. Soundstage A soundproof, hangar-like structure, building, or room, used for the production of theatrical film-making and television productions, usually located on a secured movie or television studio property. Sound Track Generically refers to the music contained in a film, though it literally means the entire audio portion of a film, video or television production, including effects and dialog. Soundtrack Generically refers to the music contained in a film, though it literally means the entire audio portion of a film, video or television production, including effects and dialog. Source Input Format A video format that was developed to allow the storage and transmission of digital video. Soviet Montage Theory An approach to understanding and creating cinema that relies heavily upon editing (montage is French for "assembly" or "editing"). Spatial Resolution The precision of a measurement with respect to space, or the real dimension that represents a pixel of the image. SPD Spectral power distribution Special Effect Illusions or visual tricks used in the film, television, theatre, video game and simulator industries to simulate the imagined events in a story or virtual world. Special Effects Generator Video signal processor with vast, but varying, image manipulation capabilities involving patterns and placement as well as color and texture. Spec Script A non-commissioned and unsolicited screenplay. Spectral Flux The radiant flux per unit frequency or wavelength, depending on whether the spectrum is taken as a function of frequency or of wavelength. Spectral Power The radiant flux per unit frequency or wavelength, depending on whether the spectrum is taken as a function of frequency or of wavelength. Spectral Power Distribution A measurement that describes the power per unit area per unit wavelength of an illumination (radiant exitance). Specular A term used to describe highly directional, focused light. This is often perceived as a very 'hard' light. Speed Of Sound The velocity of sound in air is 770 mi/hr. This speed, however, is influenced by temperature and air pressure. Speex An audio compression codec specifically tuned for the reproduction of human speech and also a free software speech codec that may be used on VoIP applications and podcasts. Spherical Aberration A type of aberration found in optical systems that use elements with spherical surfaces, such as a photographic lens. Spherochromatism Problem caused by the camera lens' inability to bring the colors to a focus at the same point. Spike A short burst of voltage, current or energy on a transmission line or circuit. Spill Light that is escaping from the sides of a lighting unit, or any light that is falling where it is not wanted. Spill Fill Light that is escaping from the sides of a lighting unit, or any light that is falling where it is not wanted. Splice The technique of compositing used to combine visual elements such as actors onto a virtual background. In traditional film-making, refers to the act of joining two pieces of film by any of several methods. Spline A curve in 3D space defined by control points. Used for interpolation and smoothing. Split Cut A type of cut in which the picture changes but the audio continues. Split Edit A transition from one shot to another in film or video, where transition of the audio and video happen at different times. Split Screen Optical or special effects shot in which two separate images are combined on each frame. The act of supporting an event, activity, person, or organization financially or through the provision of products or services.
Spool A flanged roll on which film is wound for general handling or projection. Spot On a lensed light, the smallest beam spread. Spotlight Radiates a well-defined directional beam of light, casting hard, distinct shadows. Spotting Used in scoring and sound effects editing to identify the specific scenes or points where music cues or effects cues will take place. Usually, this will include information on length and style. Sprocket Geared wheels that attach onto the perforations on the edge of a film roll and wind it through a mechanism into a camera or projector. SRAM Static random-access memory SRGB standard Red Green Blue SRP Stream Reservation Protocol SRS Labs A Santa Ana, California-based audio technology engineering company that specialized in audio enhancement solutions for a wide variety of consumer electronic devices. SSA Serial Storage Architecture Stabilization Similar to matchmoving but the entire frame is moved so that the elements of the scene stay in the same place. Stabilizer A device designed to hold a camera in a manner that prevents or compensates for unwanted camera movement, such as "camera shake". Stagecoach-wheel Effect An optical illusion in which a spoked wheel appears to rotate differently from its true rotation. Staging General decorative items in a scene that are not specifically referenced by the script. Stair Leg C-stand A C-stand with an uppermost leg which is moveable on the vertical axis. Standard HD A progressive HDTV signal format with 720 horizontal lines and an aspect ratio (AR) of 16:9, normally known as widescreen HDTV (1.78:1). Standard Red Green Blue An RGB color space that HP and Microsoft created cooperatively in 1996 to use on monitors, printers, and the Internet. Standing Waves A deep sound in a small room or recording booth. It refers to low audio frequencies caused by long waves with short reflection patterns. Star Filter A physical or digital light filter that creates a star-like visual effect out of a light source. Start-up/closedown Test A chart with special patterns, placed in front of a television camera to generate a known reference signal that can be used to adjust the camera and all the equipment downstream from the camera. Star Wipe A wipe that takes the shape of a growing or shrinking star, and is used to impart a sense of "extra specialness" or "added value". Static Random-access Memory A type of semiconductor random-access memory (RAM) that uses bistable latching circuitry (flip-flop) to store each bit. Steadicam A flying camera stabilizer (often comprised of an arm, vest, and sled) that enables cinematographers to get smooth moving shots. Stem A discrete or grouped collection of audio sources mixed together, usually by one person, to be dealt with downstream as one unit. Step The act of moving forward or backward through video one frame at a time. Step Outline In scriptwriting, an outline used by writers to help organize and visualize their story before writing it. Stereo Sound emanating from two isolated sources, intended to simulate pattern of natural human hearing. Stinger The nickname for an extension cord made to the film industry standard. Most often referred to a single 'hot' extension that is left lying around for occasional use. Stock In traditional film-making, a general term for the motion picture film itself, before it is exposed. Stock Character A plot outline used by writers to help organize and visualize their story before writing it. Video footage that can be used again in other films.
Stock Numbers A series of numbers with key lettering printed along the edge of a 35 mm negative at intervals of one foot (16 frames or 64 perforations) and on a 16 mm negative at intervals of six inches (twenty frames). Stock Shot Video footage that can be used again in other films. Stop-action A cinematic special effect in which filmmakers achieve an appearance, disappearance, or transformation by altering one or more selected aspects of the mise-en-scène between two shots while maintaining the same framing and other aspects of the scene in both shots. Stop Motion An animated-film making technique in which objects are physically manipulated in small increments between individually photographed frames so that they will appear to exhibit independent motion when the series of frames is played back as a fast sequence. Stop Motion Substitution A cinematic special effect in which filmmakers achieve an appearance, disappearance, or transformation by altering one or more selected aspects of the mise-en-scène between two shots while maintaining the same framing and other aspects of the scene in both shots. Stop Trick A cinematic special effect in which filmmakers achieve an appearance, disappearance, or transformation by altering one or more selected aspects of the mise-en-scène between two shots while maintaining the same framing and other aspects of the scene in both shots. Story Arc The parabolic shift in polar attitudes of a character from point A to point B during the course of a story. Storyboard A drawing that shows each scene of your video. A storyboard provides a concise plan for what you need to shoot or animate. Storytelling The social and cultural activity of sharing stories, sometimes with improvisation, theatrics, or embellishment. Stream A sequence of digitally encoded coherent signals (packets of data or data packets) used to transmit or receive information that is in the process of being transmitted. Streaming Media Digital video content that can be transmitted and viewed simultaneously. Typically used for broadcasting "live" events in real-time. Strike The process of breaking down a camera position, location or set. Stripboard A filmmaking term for cardboard or wooden chart displaying color-coded strips of paper, each containing information about a scene in the film's shooting script. Striped Stock Tapes that have been pre-recorded with blank data (a black screen and timecode) before they are used.
Striplight Row lights for evenly illuminating a cyclorama or other background. Strobe An instrument used to make a cyclically moving object appear to be slow-moving, or stationary. Stroboscope An instrument used to make a cyclically moving object appear to be slow-moving, or stationary. Stroboscopic Effect A visual phenomenon caused by aliasing that occurs when continuous motion is represented by a series of short or instantaneous samples. Subcarrier A sideband of a radio frequency carrier wave, which is modulated to send additional information. Subjective Camera A short film scene that shows what a character (the subject) is looking at (represented through the camera). Subpixels A spatial resolution smaller than that of pixels. Subplot A secondary strand of the plot that is a supporting side story for any story or the main plot. SubRip A free software program for Windows which extracts subtitles and their timings from various video formats to a text file. Subsampling A color video signal encoding and compression technique that favors luminance over chroma (color) information. Subscription VOD Subscription business model in which subscribers are charged a regular fee to access unlimited programs. Examples of these services include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu. SubStation Alpha A subtitle file format created by CS Low (also known as Kotus) that allows for more advanced subtitles than the conventional SRT and similar formats. Substitution Splice A cinematic special effect in which filmmakers achieve an appearance, disappearance, or transformation by altering one or more selected aspects of the mise-en-scène between two shots while maintaining the same framing and other aspects of the scene in both shots. Subtext In scriptwriting, the undercurrent of emotions and polar attitude shifts that lie beneath physical action and between the lines of dialogue. Subtitles Text derived from either a transcript or screenplay of the dialog or commentary in films, television programs, video games, and the like, usually displayed at the bottom of the screen, but can also be at the top of the screen if there is already text at the bottom of the screen. Sun Raster A raster graphics file format used on SunOS by Sun Microsystems. Supercut A genre of video editing consisting of a montage of short clips with the same theme. Superimposition The placement of an image or video on top of an already-existing image or video, usually to add to the overall image effect. Supertitles Translated or transcribed lyrics/dialogue projected above a stage or displayed on a screen, commonly used in opera, theatre, or other musical performances. Super VHS An improved version of the VHS tape format capable of recording better picture resolution. Super Video CD A digital format for storing video on standard compact discs. Superzoom A type of photographic zoom lens with unconventionally large focal length factors, typically ranging from wide-angle to extreme long lens focal lengths in one lens. Supporting Actor An actor who performs a role in a play or film below that of the leading actor(s), and above that of a bit part. Supporting Character A character in a narrative that is not the focus of the primary storyline, but appears or is mentioned in the story enough to be more than just a minor character or a cameo appearance. SurCaps Translated or transcribed lyrics/dialogue projected above a stage or displayed on a screen, commonly used in opera, theatre, or other musical performances. Surround Sound Sound that is reproduced through speakers above or behind the audience. Surtitles Translated or transcribed lyrics/dialogue projected above a stage or displayed on a screen, commonly used in opera, theatre, or other musical performances. Suspense In scriptwriting, a state of mental uncertainty, anxiety, of being undecided, or of being doubtful. Sustain The amplitude of a sound or musical note while it is being held. SVC Scalable Video Coding SVGA Super Video Graphics Array SVI Standard volume indicator Sweetening Enhancing the sound of a recording or a particular sound effect with equalization or some other signal processing device. Swishblog A unique way of vid-blogging (invented by Vimean Justin Johnson) that makes use of quick pans or tilts at the beginning and end of every shot to transition between clips and give your video a fun, dream-like feel. Swish Pan Extremely rapid camera movement from left to right or right to left, appearing as an image blur. Switcher A device used to select between several different video sources and, in some cases, compositing video sources together to create special effects. SXGA Super Extended Graphics Array SXGA+ Super Extended Graphics Array Plus SxS A digital recording optical disc format introduced by Sony in 2003 primarily for XDCAM, its tapeless camcorder system. Sync The sound lining up properly with the image. Synchronous Digital Hierarchy Standardized protocols that transfer multiple digital bit streams synchronously over optical fiber using lasers or highly coherent light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Synchronous Optical Networking Standardized protocols that transfer multiple digital bit streams synchronously over optical fiber using lasers or highly coherent light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Sync Light A camera attachment which records the film shot and take numbers and a visible sync mark which corresponds to a tone fed to an audio recorder. Sync Restoration A process which replaces distorted and missing sync* information by checking incoming sync, analyzing the frequencies involved and generating new fully restored sync. Syncro-edit Wired control protocol which activates/deactivates a VCR's record pause function. Many non-compatible versions of this protocol exist. Sync Sound Sound recorded at the time of the filming of movies. Sync Stripping A process which separates sync from the rest of the video signal for timing correction, clamping and other purposes. T-Stop The f-stop value divided by the square root of the lens transmittance. T1 The primary digital telephone standard used in the United States, Canada and Japan to transmit multiplexed voice and data calls over telephone lines. T3 A terrestrial and satellite format for transmitting information digitally. Tail A length of film attached to the head or tail of a film to assist in threading a projector or telecine. Tail Leader A length of film attached to the head or tail of a film to assist in threading a projector or telecine. Take An individual shot. When time and budgets permit, many takes may be filmed of the same shot. Take Down Reducing the light on an object by means of nets, scrims, dimmers or wasting light. Talent The on-camera subjects in video production. Tally Light A small signal-lamp on a professional video camera or monitor. Tape Grade Color correction performed from a master tape rather than from film. Tape Hiss Noise that is caused by minute imperfections in the surface of a recording medium. TARGA A raster graphics file format created by Truevision Inc. Target Audience The intended viewers. Successful business videos must define and address this audience. Tascam Digital Interface A proprietary format connector defined by TASCAM that is unbalanced and uses a 25-pin D-sub cable to transmit and/or receive up to eight channels of digital audio between compatible devices. TDM Time-division multiplexing Tearing An horizontal line which appears during playback, caused by the graphics processor being out of sync with the display. Teaser Sequence A cold open is a narrative tactic where the video jumps directly into a story, before any title sequence or opening credits are shown. Technical Grade A telecine transfer is adjusted to be as flat as possible so as not to lose any color information. A tape grade will be performed later on to achieve the desired look of the film. Technicolor A series of color motion picture processes, the first version dating to 1916, and followed by improved versions over several decades. Techniscope A 35 mm motion picture camera film format introduced by Technicolor Italia in 1960. Telecine The process of transferring motion picture film into video and is performed in a color suite. Telecine Suite The control room for color grading video in a post-production environment. Telephoto A lens that uses a telephoto group to enable a longer focal length than the physical body of the lens would normally permit. Teleplay A screenplay or script used in the production of a scripted television program or series. Teleprompter A device for displaying large, readable text on a partially transparent screen for video production. Temp Dub A preliminary mixing of dialogue, music, and sound effects, usually so that a first cut may be viewed with all of these elements incorporated. Temporal Aliasing A side effect of digital signal processing that causes distortion or unwanted artifacts in the reconstruction process. Aliasing can affect both the video and the audio signals. Tension Arm In a videotape, a device used to control the tension of the magnetic tape during machine operation. Termination Switch A switch that connects and disconnects a load resistance to a video input, used to terminate the line. Test Card A chart with special patterns, placed in front of a television camera to generate a known reference signal that can be used to adjust the camera and all the equipment downstream from the camera. Test Pattern A chart with special patterns, placed in front of a television camera to generate a known reference signal that can be used to adjust the camera and all the equipment downstream from the camera. Thaumatrope An optical toy that was popular in the 19th century. Thematic Patterning A metaphoric element, literary or cinematic device used within a film to weave an underlying message or theme throughout the story. Thematic Thread A metaphoric element, literary or cinematic device used within a film to weave an underlying message or theme throughout the story. Theme An underlying philosophical, social or spiritual message that gives the plot meaning and elevates the story to its essential, universal human ideas.
three-act structure Theora A free lossy video compression format. Thin Raster An image that has been squeezed horizontally to preserve bandwidth and then unsqueezed before playback. Three-CCD Camera A camera whose imaging system uses three separate CCDs, each one receiving filtered red, green, or blue color ranges. Three-point Lighting A common type of lighting setup that lights a subject from three different sources in order to control shadows and balance contrast. Three-quarter-inch Most popular professional/industrial video format employing larger cassettes and three-quarter-inch tape. Three-shot Camera view including three subjects, generally applicable to interview situations. Threshold Of Visibility The impairment level (or D/U in dB) beyond which a source of impairment or interference may introduce visible deficiencies in more sensitive program material. Thunderbolt The brand name of a hardware interface developed by Intel (in collaboration with Apple) that allows the connection of external peripherals to a computer. THX A theatrical film exhibition sound system which maintains a consistent sound standard from theatre to theatre. TIA/EIA-644 A technical standard that specifies electrical characteristics of a differential, serial communication protocol. Ticker Text or graphics typically used for special announcements and produced by a character generator. TIFF Tagged Image File Format Tight On A video or still shot taken at a relatively close range that tightly frames the subject, person, or object. Tilt Fixed up and down, or vertical, movements made with the camera. Time-division Multiplexing A method of transmitting and receiving independent signals over a common signal path by means of synchronized switches at each end of the transmission line so that each signal appears on the line only a fraction of time in an alternating pattern. Time-lapse A technique whereby the frequency at which film frames are captured is much more spread out than the frequency used to view the sequence. Time-lapse Photography A technique whereby the frequency at which film frames are captured (the frame rate) is much more spread out than the frequency used to view the sequence. Time Base Correction A technique used to reduce or eliminate errors caused by mechanical instability present in analog recordings on mechanical media. Time Base Corrector A device used to rectify any problems with a video signal's sync pulses by generating a new clean time base and synchronizing any other incoming video to this reference. Timecode A high-frequency signal that allows the accurate "locking" of film audio and video equipment. Time Code A high-frequency signal that allows the accurate "locking" of film audio and video equipment. Timed Text The presentation of text media in synchrony with other media, such as audio and video. Timelapse A technique where each frame in a video is captured at a much slower rate than normal. Timeline A visual representation of a movie over time. Timing Skew A measure of the difference (skew) between two electronic clock's timing in a synchronous system -- such as a computer. Title Sequence A scene or sequence of scenes over which the title roll of the movie credits are superimposed. Titling Process or result of incorporating on-screen text as credits, captions, or any other alphanumeric communication to video viewers. TMDS Transition-minimized differential signaling Tone The attitude toward a subject or story that is being expressed by the writer or director of a screenplay or film. TOSLINK A standardized optical fiber connector system. (Toshiba Link) Totem A media player (audio and video) for the GNOME computer desktop environment. TOV Threshold of visibility Track A separate audio or video layer on a timeline. Tracking The process of locating a moving object (or multiple objects) over time using a camera. Tracking Shot A camera shot that physically advances or changes the position of the camera relative to the subject, changing the spatial relations between a subject and its surroundings. Trail Camera A camera placed by a photographer in areas where the photographer generally cannot be at the camera to snap the shutter. Trailer A short publicity film which advertises a film or forthcoming presentations. Transcoding The process of converting a file or stream from one format to another. Transformational Arc The parabolic shift in polar attitudes of a character from point A to point B during the course of a story. Transient A short burst or spike of energy caused by a sudden change of state. Transition A technique used in the post-production process of film editing and video editing by which scenes or shots are combined Translucent Property of a material that allows a partial transmission of light, generally diffusing it and eliminating glare. Frosted glass is an example of a translucent material.
Transparent Property of a material that allows most or all of the light incident on it to pass through. Clear glass is a translucent material. Traveling Matte An evolution of the matte process that allowed the matte to animate its shape and position from frame to frame. Treatment A piece of prose, typically the step between scene cards (index cards) and the first draft of a screenplay for a motion picture, television program, or radio play. Trick Film Short silent films designed to feature innovative special effects. Trims Portions of a scene left over after the selected section has been used in final cutting. Tripod Three-legged camera mount offering stability and camera placement/movement consistency. Most are lightweight, used for remote recording. Tripod Head The part of a tripod system that attaches the supported device (such as a camera) to the tripod legs, and allows the orientation of the device to be manipulated or locked down. Trolley Shot A shot in which the camera moves toward or away from its subject while filming. Trucking The process of locating a moving object (or multiple objects) over time using a camera. Trucking Shot A shot in which the camera moves toward or away from its subject while filming. True Audio A lossless compressor for multichannel 8, 16, and 24 bits audio data. Truevision TGA A raster graphics file format created by Truevision Inc. Trunk Shot A cinematic camera angle which captures film from inside the trunk of a car. TTML Timed Text Markup Language Tuner Television and VCR component that receives RF signals from an antenna or other RF sources and decodes into separate audio and video signals. Tungsten Halogen Tungsten-Halogen lights or lighting units. The name is derived from the material which encloses the lighting element. Tungsten Light A light bulb that emits light using a filament of tungsten wire, and are larger versions of the everyday lighting found in your home. TV Aerial Plug A colloquial name for a connector used to connect coaxial cables with each other and with terrestrial VHF/UHF roof antennas, antenna signal amplifiers, CATV distribution equipment, TV sets and FM / DAB-radio receivers. TV Safe The area of a filmed image which will normally appear on a home television set after a film has been transferred in telecine and then transmitted. Tweening The process of generating intermediate frames between two images, called key frames, to give the appearance that the first image evolves smoothly into the second image. Twin-lead A threaded version of the BNC connector. Twisted Pair A type of wiring in which two conductors of a single circuit are twisted together for the purposes of improving electromagnetic compatibility. Two Shot A camera view including two subjects, most generally applicable to interview situations. Type C SMPTE standard for 1-inch non-segmented helical video recording format. U-matic Most popular professional/industrial video format employing larger cassettes and three-quarter-inch tape. UDI Unified Display Interface UGA A resolution of 1600 × 1200 pixels. UHD A standard for video display with a resolution of 3840 × 2160 and an aspect ratio of 16:9. UHDTV A standard for video display with a resolution of 3840 × 2160 and an aspect ratio of 16:9. Ultra HD Television A standard for video display with a resolution of 3840 × 2160 and an aspect ratio of 16:9. Ultra Stereo A cinema sound system that was developed in 1984. Ultraviolet Light A type of electromagnetic radiation, invisible to the human eye (i.e., beyond the visible spectrum) with a wavelength of 10 to 380 nanometers. Umbrella Lighting accessory available in various sizes usually made of textured gold or silver fabric. Facilitates soft, shadowless illumination by reflecting light onto a scene. Undercranking The process of slowing the frame rate of a camera down the action appears faster during playback at normal speed. Underexposed Film that has not been exposed to light for a long enough time to provide proper contrast and thus appears dim. Underscan A video or computer image reduced so that all four edges are visible on-screen, leaving it surrounded by black borders. Underscore An underscore is a soft, noiseless soundtrack theme which accompanies the action in performance. Unidirectional A highly selective microphone pickup pattern rejects sound coming from behind while absorbing that from in front. Uniform Noise The noise caused by quantizing the pixels of a sensed image to a number of discrete levels is known as quantization noise. Unsqueeze A print or image in which the distorted image of an anamorphic negative has been corrected for normal projection or display.
Upconversion A system which converts video signals from one display resolution to another; typically, scalers are used to convert a signal from a lower resolution, a process known as "upconversion" or "upscaling." Uplighting Lighting method where an object or surface is lit from below, with a luminaire that directs its output upward. Uplighting is commonly used in lighting applications that require minimal glare and uniform general illuminance levels. Upscaling A system which converts video signals from one display resolution to another; typically, scalers are used to convert a signal from a lower resolution, a process known as "upconversion" or "upscaling." User Bits Portions of VITC and LTC (time code) reserved for recording information of the user's choosing, e.g., date, scene numbers. Ut Video Codec Suite A fast, lossless video codec, developed by Takeshi Umezawa and released under the free GNU General Public License. UXGA Ultra Extended Graphics Array Vanity Logo A logo used by movie studios and television production companies to brand what they produce and to determine the production company and the distributor of a television show or film. Vari-speed Increasing or decreasing tape speed to match the musical pitch of the playback. Variable Bitrate Variable bitrate is a process of encoding files which varies the amount of output data based on the complexity of a given time segment. VC-1 A video coding format. Most of it was initially developed as Microsoft's proprietary video format Windows Media Video 9 in 2003. VCEG Video Coding Experts Group VCR Videocassette recorder VDPAU Video Decode and Presentation API for Unix Vectorscope Electronic testing device that measures a video signal's chrominance performance, plotting qualities in a compass-like graphic display. Vertical Interval The time between the end of one video field and the beginning of the next. Vertical Scan Rate The number of times in a second that a display hardware updates its buffer. Vertical Sync Synchronizing pulses used to define the end of one television field and the start of the next, occurring at a rate of approximately 59.94 Hz. Vertigo Effect An in-camera effect that requires focusing on a single point while zooming in (or out) and dollying out (or in). VESA Video Electronics Standards Association VESA Digital Flat Panel Interface standard specifying a video connector and signaling for flat-panel displays. It features 20 pins and uses the PanelLink protocol. VESA Enhanced Video Connector A VESA standard intended to reduce the number of cables around a computer by incorporating video, audio, FireWire and USB into a single cable system. VESA Plug And Display A video connector for digital monitors, such as flat panel displays and video projectors, ratified by VESA. VGA Connector A three-row 15-pin DE-15 connector. The 15-pin VGA connector was provided on many video cards, computer monitors, laptop computers, projectors, and high definition television sets. VHS Compact A compact VHS videocassette format, introduced by Victor Company of Japan (JVC) in 1982, and used primarily for consumer-grade compact analog recording camcorders. Video An electronic medium for the recording, copying, playback, broadcasting, and display of moving visual media. Video-in Video-out A graphics port that enables some video cards to have bidirectional (input and output) analog video transfer through a mini-DIN connector, usually of the 9-pin variety, and a specialized splitter cable (which can sometimes also transfer analog audio). Video Acceleration API A royalty-free API that allows applications such as VLC media player or GStreamer to use hardware video acceleration capabilities, usually provided by the graphics processing unit (GPU). Video Amplifier Video amplifiers are devices that amplify the power of the video signals, using bandwidths that differ depending on the target. Video Assist The process of simultaneously recording filmed picture onto videotape by means of the same lens system in order to immediately evaluate a take as soon as it is completed. Video Capture The process of converting an analog video signal—such as that produced by a video camera, DVD player, or television tuner—to digital video and sending it to local storage or to external circuitry. Videocassette A permanently encased videotape that winds and rewinds from reel-to-reel. Videocassette Recorder Multifunction machine intended primarily for recording and playback of videotape stored in cassettes. Video CD A home video format and the first format for distributing films on standard 120 mm (4.7 in) optical discs. Video Coding Experts Group A working group of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) concerned with video coding standards. Video Compression Picture Types In the field of video compression, a video frame is compressed using different algorithms with different advantages and disadvantages, centered mainly around the amount of data compression. Videoconference The technologies for the reception and transmission of audio-video signals by users at different locations, for communication between people in real-time. Videodisc A flat disc of plastic or other material on which video signals are recorded. Videodiscs range in diameter from 3 in. to 12 in. and include the ca. 4 3/4 in. (12 cm.) DVD and video CD. Video For Windows A multimedia framework developed by Microsoft that allows Windows to play and encode digital video. Videographer A video photographer who specializes in events like weddings. Video Graphics Array A graphics standard for video display controller first introduced with the IBM PS/2 line of computers in 1987. Videography The process of capturing moving images on electronic media (e.g., videotape, direct to disk recording, or solid state storage) and even streaming media. Video High Density A grooveless, plastic videodisc format, approximately 10 in. in diameter. Video Home System A standard for consumer-level analog video recording on tape cassettes. Video Interpreting Service A video telecommunication service that allows deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired individuals to communicate over video telephones via a sign language interpreter. Video On Demand A video media distribution system that allows users to access video entertainment without a traditional video entertainment device and without the constraints of a typical static broadcasting schedule. Videophone The technologies for the reception and transmission of audio-video signals by users at different locations, for communication between people in real-time. Video Printer A special device used to capture a single frame of video to create a hard copy print. Video Projector A display device which projects a video or computer image onto a large screen. Video Prompter A device for displaying large, readable text on a partially transparent screen for video production. Video Quality A measure of the perceived degradation of the video signal. Videoreel Videotape that is not permanently encased. Video Relay Service A video telecommunication service that allows deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired individuals to communicate over video telephones via a sign language interpreter. Video Sculpture A type of video installation that integrates video into an object, environment, site or performance. Video Sync A composite color video signal comprised of sync, color burst and black video. Videotape Format A variety of formats are used to record video. They vary by tape width: (8mm, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch), signal form: (composite, Y/C, component), data storage type (analog or digital) and signal standard (PAL, NTSC, SECAM). Video Tape Recorder A tape recorder designed to record and playback video and audio material on magnetic tape. Videotelephony The technologies for the reception and transmission of audio-video signals by users at different locations, for communication between people in real-time. Video Toaster Software/hardware developed by NewTek for the Amiga Computer. Made special effects affordable for the low budget producer. Video Wall A special multi-monitor setup that consists of multiple monitors tiled together contiguously or overlapped in order to form one large screen. Vidicon A video camera tube design in which the target material is a photoconductor. Viewfinder The part of the camera you look through to see the image from your lens’ field of view. Vignette Visual special effect whereby viewers see images through a perceived keyhole, heart shape, diamond, etc. Vignetting Undesirable darkening at the corners of a picture, as if viewer's peering through a telescope, due to improper matching of the lens to the camera. VirtualDub A free and open-source video capture and video processing utility for Microsoft Windows written by Avery Lee. Virtual Reality Modeling Language A standard file format for representing 3-dimensional (3D) interactive vector graphics, designed particularly with the World Wide Web in mind. It has been superseded by X3D.
Virtual Studio Technology An audio plug-in software interface that integrates software synthesizers and effects units into digital audio workstations. Vision Mixer A device used to select between several different video sources and, in some cases, compositing video sources together to create special effects. Vistavision A 35mm film format with a large surface area and low grain. Visual Effect A special visual technique used to enhance storytelling VITC Vertical interval timecode VJing A broad designation for realtime visual performance. VLC Media Player A free and open-source portable cross-platform media player software and streaming media server developed by the VideoLAN project. Voice-over A production technique where a voice that is not part of the narrative is used in a radio, television production, filmmaking, theatre, or other presentations. Voice Acting The art of performing voice-overs or providing voices to represent a character or to provide information to an audience or user. Voiceover Audio from an unseen narrator accompanying video, heard above background sound or music. Volume Unit Meter A device displaying a representation of the signal level in audio equipment. Vorbis An audio coding format and software reference encoder/decoder (codec) for lossy audio compression. VP6 A proprietary lossy video compression format and video codec. VP8 An open and royalty-free video compression format created by On2 Technologies as a successor to VP7 and owned by Google from 2010. VP9 An open and royalty-free video coding format developed by Google. VRML Virtual reality modeling language VSFilter An obsolete software add-on for Microsoft Windows that is able to read external subtitle files and superimposes them on a playing video file. VST Virtual Studio Technology Vulkan A low-overhead, cross-platform 3D graphics and computing API. VU Meter A device displaying a representation of the signal level in audio equipment. Wagon-wheel Effect An optical illusion in which a spoked wheel appears to rotate differently from its true rotation. Waist Shot Defines any camera perspective between long shot and closeup, viewing the subjects from a medium distance. Walk And Talk A storytelling technique used in filmmaking and television production in which a number of characters have a conversation while walking somewhere. Walla Background ambience or noises added to create the illusion of sound taking place outside of the main action in a picture. Washout The washout is an optical transition used for editing purposes that is similar to the fade. Waste Shining a light on an object, then slowing turning the light away so that some of the light will miss or fall off the object. Watt Measurement unit for electric power consumption. Watts To Lumens To convert watts to lumens, multiply the power (P) in watts (W) with the luminous efficacy (η) in lumens per watt (lm/W). WAV Waveform Audio File Format Waveform Monitor Specialized oscilloscope testing device providing a graphic display of a video signal's strength WavPack A free and open-source lossless audio compression format. Webcast A media presentation distributed over the Internet using streaming media technology to distribute a single content source to many simultaneous listeners/viewers WebM An audiovisual media file format. It is primarily intended to offer a royalty-free alternative to use in the HTML5 video and the HTML5 audio elements. Wet Gate A film gate that is submerged in liquid, used for film restoration and archival scanning. WGA Screenwriting Credit System A credit system that covers all works under the jurisdiction of the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) and the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW). Whip Pan Extremely rapid camera movement from left to right or right to left, appearing as an image blur. White Balance The process of capturing the correct colors for the type of available light White Noise A random signal having equal intensity at different frequencies, giving it a constant power spectral density. Wide-angle Camera lens with short focal length and broad horizontal field of view. Wide Angle Lens A lens that uses a grouping of glass to enable a shorter focal length than the physical body of the lens would normally permit. Wide Quad HD A display resolution of 2560 × 1440 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio. Widescreen A general term for film presentation in which a film is shown in an aspect ratio of greater than 1.85 to 1 (16:9 on computer monitors.) Wide Shot A camera shot that shows the entire object or human figure and is usually intended to place it in some relation to its surroundings. Wild Line Audio elements that are not recorded synchronously with the picture. Wild Sound Audio elements that are not recorded synchronously with the picture. Wild Track Audio elements that are not recorded synchronously with the picture. Williams Process A matte creation technique patented by the American cinematographer Frank D. Williams in 1918. Window Dub A videotape in which a "window" displaying the time code count on the tape is superimposed over part of the picture. Windows Media A discontinued multimedia framework for media creation and distribution for Microsoft Windows. Windows Media Audio A series of audio codecs and their corresponding audio coding formats developed by Microsoft. Windows Media Video A series of video codecs and their corresponding video coding formats developed by Microsoft. Windscreen Sponge-like microphone shield thwarts undesirable noise from wind and rapid mike movement. Windshield Sponge-like microphone shield thwarts undesirable noise from wind and rapid mike movement. Wipe An optical transition effect in which one image is replaced by another with a boundry edge that moves in a selected pattern across the frame. Wireless Microphone A microphone that uses a small radio transmitter to transmit the audio signal to the receiver. WMV HD Windows Media High Definition Video Word Clock A clock signal used to synchronize devices, such as digital audio tape machines and compact disc players, which interconnect via digital audio signals. Working Master Any positive duplicate picture, sound track print, or magnetic duplicate which is intended for use in the editing process. Workprint Any positive duplicate picture, sound track print, or magnetic duplicate which is intended for use in the editing process. Workstation This term generally refers to a disk-based audio recording and editing system. Worm's-eye View A view of an object from below, as though the observer were a worm; the opposite of a bird's-eye view. Wow Repetitive but slow variations in recording or playback tape speed. Wow And Flutter The deviation of frequency resulting from irregular motion in the recording or from deformation of the recording medium. WPL Windows Media Player Playlist WQSXGA Wide Quad Super Extended Graphics Array WQUXGA Wide Quad Ultra Extended Graphics Array WQVGA A resolution of 400 × 240 pixels. WQXGA Wide Quad Extended Graphics Array WQXGA+ A resolution of 3200 × 1800 pixels. Wrap To finish shooting at the end of the day or the end of the production. WSVGA A resolution of 1024 × 576 or 1024 × 600 pixels. WSXGA A resolution of 1440 × 900 pixels. WUXGA Widescreen Ultra Extended Graphics Array WXGA Wide Extended Graphics Array WXGA+ A resolution of 1440 × 900 pixels. X-Y Pattern A pair of cardioid microphones or elements aimed in crossed directions which feed two channels for stereo pickup. XAVC A recording format that was introduced by Sony on October 30, 2012. XDCAM A series of products for digital recording using random access solid-state memory media, introduced by Sony in 2003. Xenon A high-intensity light, with a polished parabolic reflector. XGA Extended Graphics Array XGA+ Extended Graphics Array Plus XLR4 Four-pin XLR connectors are used in a variety of applications. XLR5 Five-pin XLR connectors are the standard for DMX512 digital lighting control. XLR6 Six-pin XLR connectors are used for dual channel intercom systems and stage lighting control applications. XLR7 Seven-pin XLR connectors are used to connect some valve (tube) condenser microphones to their power supplies (carrying signal, polarisation voltage, heater, and HT). 
